Triamcinolone Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 10, 2025.

Applies to triamcinolone topical: topical application cream, topical application lotion, topical application ointment, topical application spray.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits for any problems that may be caused by this medicine. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Do not use this medication with other corticosteroid (eg, hydrocortisone) containing products without checking with your doctor first. .

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, triamcinolone topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking triamcinolone topical:

Other side effects

Some side effects of triamcinolone topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to triamcinolone topical: mucous membrane paste, topical cream, topical kit, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical spray.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were burning, itching, irritation, and dryness.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, blistering or peeling not present prior to therapy, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin and oral mucosa, secondary infection, atrophy of the skin and oral mucosa, striae, and miliaria^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, glucosuria^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Intracranial hypertension (including bulging fontanelles, headaches, bilateral papilledema)^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Triamcinolone topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer