Triamcinolone

KENALOG

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Pronunciation: trye-am-SIN-oe-loen

Triamcinolone ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Triamcinolone ballicule

Triamcinolone KENALOG mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Triamcinolone mascot
**“Ken-log, Try and sin, alone”**
moon face → corticosteroid

What it isGlucocorticoid-receptor agonist; intra-articular, intramuscular, intranasal and topical treatment of inflammation.

Why this oneA long-lived intra-articular depot effect is its distinguishing niche, while topical and nasal forms cover local inflammation.

What limits itRepeated joint injections can damage cartilage; systemic absorption can still suppress the adrenal axis and raise glucose.

Triamcinolone molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Triamcinolone

Triamcinolone prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Corticosteroids (topical) (1952–2026). Triamcinolone enters in 1958 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

inflammation (~1958)

Principal riskAdrenal suppression with prolonged systemic use

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden0 / 4

Overdose danger2 / 4

Weight-gain liability1 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk2 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityHyperglycemia, infection, osteoporosis and potentially severe mood, sleep or psychotic effects.

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (inflammatory/pruritic) — 0.025% cream	Adults	Thin film BID	Thin film BID–QID	QID
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (inflammatory/pruritic) — 0.1% and 0.5% cream	Adults	Thin film BID	Thin film BID–TID by severity	TID

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Topical only; apply thin film to affected area; avoid eyes; not for ophthalmic use
Do not occlude unless directed; occlusion may be used for psoriasis/recalcitrant conditions — stop occlusion if infection develops
Pediatric patients: least amount compatible with effective therapy; avoid tight diapers/plastic pants over treated diaper area

Available strengths

cream 0.025, 0.1, 0.5 %
ointment 0.025, 0.1, 0.5 %

Cautions

HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, glucosuria from systemic absorption (large areas, potent steroid, prolonged use, occlusion)
Steroid withdrawal symptoms
Children: greater susceptibility to systemic toxicity (HPA suppression, intracranial hypertension, growth retardation)
Discontinue if irritation develops
Dermatologic infection: add antifungal/antibacterial; stop steroid if no prompt response

Adverse reactions

Burning
Itching
Irritation
Dryness
Folliculitis
Hypertrichosis
Acneiform eruptions
Hypopigmentation
Perioral dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Skin atrophy
Striae

Pregnancy Category C; use only if benefit justifies fetal risk; avoid extensive, large-amount, or prolonged use in pregnancy

Lactation Unknown whether topical use yields detectable milk levels; use caution in nursing women

Cost

Triamcinolone (KENALOG)

Strength		#/mo	CostPlus
0.025 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.1 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.5 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.025 %	ointment	per unit	not offered
0.1 %	ointment	per unit	not offered
0.5 %	ointment	per unit	not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Triamcinolone is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Other forms: Triamcinolone injection (KENALOG-40)

Generic entry1982

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Memory aids: interaction avatars

Box: minimal PK interactions

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Self-check

What distinguishes intra-articular triamcinolone?
A long-lived depot effect.
What can repeated triamcinolone joint injections damage?
Cartilage.