Triamcinolone nasal spray is used to help prevent nose symptoms such as stuffy and runny nose from hay fever (seasonal allergies). For those who must take antihistamines by mouth to control their seasonal allergies, triamcinolone can be used to help decrease the dose of the medication that must be taken by mouth. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works to make breathing easier by reducing the swelling of the airways in the nose and sinuses.

This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden allergy attacks. If an allergy attack occurs, use your antihistamine as prescribed. This medication usually takes up to 1 week to work.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using triamcinolone nasal spray and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is inhaled into the nose using a special spray pump device. Shake the spray pump for about 10 seconds. Place the spray tip into one nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly, close the other nostril with a finger, and pump the spray quickly. Sniff gently at the same time. Repeat for the other nostril. If using more than 1 spray per nostril, repeat for each nostril.

Use this medication once daily or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Sore throat, nosebleeds, and an increase in cough, headache, and runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effects occur: white patches in the throat/nose.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if this very unlikely but serious side effect occurs: vision changes (such as blurred/cloudy vision).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.

Before using triamcinolone nasal spray, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone, prednisone, dexamethasone); or if you have any other allergies. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: recent nose or sinus surgery, nostril sores.

Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream, especially if you are less than 6 years old and if this medication is used at higher doses. This may result in worsening of certain conditions. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: untreated active fungal infections, certain eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, herpes of the eye), certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), brittle bones (osteoporosis), certain muscle/nerve problems (e.g., myasthenia gravis), current infections (e.g., tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test, other herpes infections), HIV, inactive infections (e.g., Ameba, Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus), bleeding problems, history of blood clots, certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low salts in the blood (e.g., low potassium or calcium).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used it within the last 12 months.

Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking this medication unless you have previously had these infections (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to either of these infections and you have not previously had them, seek immediate medical attention.

If you have diabetes, this drug may rarely make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.

Although this effect is uncommon, if you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this nasal spray within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery or injury. Deaths due to low corticosteroid levels have sometimes occurred during such stresses. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice about stress situations. You may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because there is a slight risk that it may temporarily slow down a child's growth rate, but this will probably not affect final adult height. Though this effect is rare with nasal steroids such as triamcinolone, monitor your child's height regularly.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. There have been rare reports of harm to the unborn baby when the mother was taking similar corticosteroids. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using high doses of triamcinolone for an extended time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: natalizumab, other nasal sprays.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store the US product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C).

Store the Canadian product between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C).

Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised November 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.