Aristocort
Triamcinolone
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Aristocort
Aristocort is a corticosteroid, which is used for treatment of skin problems. The exact mechanism of action of this drug is unknown, but it is believed to suppress chemicals, which are produced in the human body and which actually trigger inflammatory reactions. Aristocort treats inflammation, swelling, itching, reddening and other skin conditions. It is also recommended for patients suffering allergic eczema and psoriasis.
Therapeutic Uses of Aristocort
Aristocort is available in cream and ointment form. Whatever type of medicine is suitable for you, you should get a prescription and use it under the supervision of a qualified doctor. If used for purposes other than treatment of skin allergies, it is absolutely imperative that you keep in touch with your doctor. Aristocort is not intended for oral administration!
Direction of use of Aristocort
Aristocort should be used only as directed by your physician. It takes a little examination for you and your doctor to determine the dosage and how often you should use the medicine. Commonly, Aristocort is applied directly to affected areas of the skin, usually 3 to 4 times each day. Dosage and the amount of the medicine to be administered depends on various factors, such as your body weight, whether or not you have ever had any serious allergies or diseases. Therefore, it is mandatory that you discuss your overall health with your doctor before using Aristococort.
Put a little bit of cream/ointment over the affected area, rub it gently into the skin. Then wait until it soaks into the skin. If you are dealing with psoriasis, your doctor may advise you to wrap the affected area with some kind of occlusive material after the cream/ointment is applied. Do not use this method without the doctor’s recommendation. Do not advise others to use it independently even if they seem to have similar symptoms.
If You Miss a Dose of Aristocort
If you have found out you have missed a dose and it is about time for your next scheduled dose, skip it. Try to be more careful and stick to the schedule and your doctor’s recommendations. Do not take more than directed by the doctor. Do not double your dose. Excess of Triamcinolone may cause irritation.
How to Store Aristocort
Keep the medicin in a dry and cool place, where temperature does not exceed 25 degrees C. Do not freeze it. Do not keep the drug on window sills, in the kitchen or bathroom or close to incandescent objects. Heat and direct sunlight may cause Aristocort cream to lose water and spoil. Keep out of the reach of children.
More Information About Aristocort
Apart from cream and ointment forms, there are forms intended for oral and intravenous use. These forms are recommended in severe cases. If you are going to use Aristocort orally or by injection, you must be ready to strictly abide by your doctor’s recommendations and dosage requirements. Do not use these forms without the supervision of a trained physician. Aristocort therapy can be administered only after a thorough examination.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Aristocort
It is strongly recommended that you discuss with your doctor any diseases you have had so far and drugs you have used or are still using, particularly topical corticosteroids. Aristocort tends to interact with most other similar drugs. If you see any signs of interaction, which may be lack of result or your condition not improving or getting worse, contact your doctor immediately!
Aristocort cream and ointment are toxic! Do not lick the areas, to which you have applied the drug. Avoid situations, when the drug can get into the eyes. Should some amount of the drug enter your eyes, flush them with water. If the irritation persists, contact your doctor.
If swallowed, call your doctor immediately, even if you do not have any serious symptoms of poisoning. Do the same thing if you thing someone else in your family might have swallowed it.
If used for a long period of time, the drug is likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause unpleasant side effects. Also, prolonged use may result in the thinning of the skin and therefore absorption. Long-term exposure to triamcinolone can make skin vulnerable to infections and fungi. If you have any signs of these problems, stop using Aristocort and contact your doctor.
Aristocort is not recommended for pregnant women, unless it is absolutely necessary to use it. It must be used with caution during lactation period.
Possible Adverse Effects Aristocort
Like many drugs, Aristocort may cause allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling of face, lips and tongue, difficulty breathing, hives, unexpected skin reactions (reddening, itching, blisters). In some cases, drugs trigger serious and sometimes life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, which require immediate assistance.
Stop taking Aristocort if you suddenly have insomnia, poor mood, fatigue, tachycardia, blood pressure fluctuations, poor vision, headache, dizziness. Some patients have gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric pain, bloat, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloat, cramps, constipation, etc.
Due to its strong influence on skin, Aristocort can seriously affect your appearance. Not infrequently, patients have peeling and thinning skin, which results in blood vessels being more visible, easy bruising and skin discoloration. Healing problems may also occur.
There have been reports about sudden changes in body weight.