Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray/inhaler
BRAND NAME: Nasacort; Nasacort AQ
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Triamcinolone acetonide is a
synthetic (man-made)
corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose
inhaler
for the treatment of asthma (Azmacort), as a topical preparation for
the skin (Kenalog; Aristocort) or as a nasal spray (Nasacort AQ) or inhaler (Nasacort)
for relieving symptoms of rhinitis.
Corticosteroids are naturally occurring hormones that prevent or
suppress
inflammation and immune responses. When given by intranasal spray or
inhaler,
triamcinolone acetonide provides relief from allergy-induced watery
nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), nasal
congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itching of the back of the
throat. Sometimes the symptoms associated with allergy also are
relieved.
Approximately 50% of the triamcinolone acetonide is
absorbed into the blood. A beneficial response usually is
noted within a few days but can take as long as 4 weeks.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Triamcinolone acetonide nasal inhaler is
available in a 10 g
aerosol canister (containing 15 mg triamcinolone acetonide). The
spray is available in a 16.5 g bottle. Each puff of the inhaler or
pump of the spray delivers 55
mcg triamcinolone acetonide.
STORAGE: The inhaler and spray should be stored at room
temperature, 59-86°F (15-30°C) and protected from heat, and
direct light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray or inhaler
is used for relieving
symptoms of rhinitis.
DOSING: Before use of the nasal spray or inhaler, the nose
should be blown gently, and the inhaler or spray should be shaken.
The head should be tilted backwards, with the nozzle inserted into
one nostril, the
opening of the nozzle toward the swollen area. The other nostril
should be closed. and the spray or inhaler activated while breathing
in through the nose and out through the
mouth. The inhaler or spray should be cleaned daily. The canister
should be removed from the inhaler, rinsing
the cap, nosepiece, and the inhaler with warm water and then drying
them
thoroughly.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described
with
nasal triamcinolone.
PREGNANCY: Serious complications (including cleft palate and
still
births) have been reported when oral corticosteroids were
administered
during pregnancy. It is not known if the small amounts of
corticosteroids
that appear in the blood following intranasal use carry the same
risk.
Triamcinolone acetonide use during pregnancy should be avoided unless
the physician
feels that the potential therapeutic benefit justifies the risk to
the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is unknown whether triamcinolone
acetonide accumulates in breast milk. However, it is known that other corticosteroids are
excreted
in breast milk. The effects on the child, if any, are unknown.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects following nasal
inhalation of triamcinolone acetonide are nasal irritation and
itching, increased
cough, nausea or vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing,
nasal
burning, bloody nasal discharge, and nasal dryness. Other adverse
effects
reported with intranasal triamcinolone acetonide include headache,
dizziness, and
watery eyes. All of these are either mild or uncommon.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/6/1999 7:57:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Nasal Allergy Medications - Learn about nasal allergy medications (nasal sprays) includes antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays and their side effects.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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