Azmacort
Generic Name: triamcinolone inhalation (trye am SIH no lone)
Brand Names: Azmacort
What is triamcinolone inhalation?
Triamcinolone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause
inflammation.
Triamcinolone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks and other conditions involving
inflammation of the lung tissues.
Triamcinolone inhalation may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone
inhalation?
Triamcinolone inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to
prevent attacks.
Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious
side effects.
Use triamcinolone inhalation on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get
the maximum effect of this medication.
It is very important that you use the triamcinolone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into
your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about
proper inhaler use.
Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the
maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication
could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
triamcinolone inhalation?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of
any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit the body's ability to fight off
infections. You may not be able to use triamcinolone inhalation if you have an infection.
Triamcinolone inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to
prevent attacks. Do not use triamcinolone inhalation to treat an asthma attack. If you are having an
asthma attack that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical attention.
Triamcinolone inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether triamcinolone inhalation will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Do not use triamcinolone
inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Triamcinolone inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.
How should I use triamcinolone inhalation?
Use triamcinolone inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert
included with the inhaler. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to you.
If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol
(Maxair), or bitolterol (Tornalate), use the bronchodilator first, then use the triamcinolone inhalation.
Using the medications in this order will allow more triamcinolone to reach the lungs.
Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best
results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and
place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as
you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place the
inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be
propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use the inhaler directly in your mouth,
be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.
To reduce the chance of a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse your mouth after using
triamcinolone inhalation.
It is very important that you use the triamcinolone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into
your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about
proper inhaler use.
Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as
directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several weeks before you see the effects of
triamcinolone. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Triamcinolone inhalation will not stop an attack after it has started. It is used to prevent attacks
from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat attacks.
Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the
maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication
could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your doctor has prescribed. Triamcinolone
inhalation is not a substitute for an oral steroid.
If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to triamcinolone inhalation, carry or
wear identification that will let others know that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe
asthma attack or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor the precautions necessary
when discontinuing an oral steroid.
Rinse the inhaler in warm water as often as once a day to keep it clean and unclogged.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think an overdose has occurred,
call an emergency room or poison control center.
What should I avoid while using triamcinolone inhalation?
Avoid items or activities that you know are known allergens. Clean areas where dust or pet fur
may aggravate your condition.
Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken
pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off
an infection while using triamcinolone inhalation.
Triamcinolone inhalation side effects
Serious side effects from triamcinolone inhalation are not likely to occur. If you experience
any of the following serious side effects, stop using triamcinolone inhalation and seek emergency
medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
numbness, tingling, or pain;
-
a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; or
-
worsening respiratory symptoms.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
triamcinolone inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
dryness of the mouth, nose, or throat after use;
-
yeast (or another) infection in the mouth or throat (white
patches);
-
hoarseness or deepening of the voice, cough, or sore throat;
-
wheezing;
-
increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the
eyes;
-
headache or lightheadedness;
-
unpleasant (or loss of taste) or smell;
-
decreased growth in children taking large doses; or
-
cataracts, which may develop after long-term use.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect triamcinolone inhalation?
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral,
nasal, or inhaled steroids may increase the chance of side effects or overdose.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with triamcinolone inhalation or affect your
condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about triamcinolone inhalation written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Triamcinolone inhalation is available with a prescription under the brand name Azmacort. Other
brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have
about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:00:47 PM.
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