Magic Medicine: The Magical Journey of Triamcinolone Acetonide

Triamcinolone acetonide is an adrenocortical steroid that inhibits accumulation of inflammatory cells at inflammation sites, phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme release and synthesis, and release of mediators of inflammation.¹

Uses

Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid medication used topically to treat various skin conditions,to relieve the discomfort of mouth sores, and by injection into joints to treat various joint conditions.

Pharmacological mechanism

Triamcinolone acetone is a synthetic adrenocortical hormone that exerts powerful anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the function of inflammatory cells and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators. In addition, it can suppress the immune response and reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions.²

Chemistry

Triamcinolone acetonide, also known as 9α-fluoro-16α-hydroxyprednisolone 16α,17α-acetonide or as 9α-fluoro-11β,16α-17α,21-tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with acetone, is a synthetic halogenated cyclic ketal pregnane corticosteroid.[27] It is the C16α,17α acetonide of triamcinolone.

Side effects

Frequent

Insomnia, dry mouth, heartburn, nervousness, abdominal distention, diaphoresis, acne, mood swings, increased appetite, facial flushing, delayed wound healing, increased susceptibility to infection, diarrhea or constipation

Occasional

Headache, edema, change in skin color, frequent urination

Rare

Tachycardia, allergic reaction (including rash and hives), mental changes, hallucinations, depression Topical: Allergic contact dermatitis

Serious Reactions

Long-term therapy may cause muscle wasting in the arms or legs, osteoporosis, spontaneous fractures, amenorrhea, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulcer disease, and CHF.

Abruptly withdrawing the drug following long-term therapy may cause anorexia, nausea, fever, headache, arthralgia, rebound inflammation, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension.

Anaphylaxis occurs rarely with parenteral administration.

Suddenly discontinuing triamcinolone may be fatal.

Blindness has occurred rarely after intralesional injection around face and head.

References

1.Drugs for the Geriatric Patient,W.B. Saunders,2007,Pages 1166-1282, ISBN 9781416002086

2.ermak, C.; Dellacroce, J.; Heffez, J.; Peyman, G., Triamcinolone acetonide in ocular therapeutics. Survey of ophthalmology 2007, 52 (5), 503-522.

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