Aristocort

Drug Uses

Aristocort (Triamcinolone) is a corticosteroid that is used for the treatment of several conditions including inflammatory disorders, allergic disorders, arthritis, and connective tissue disorders. However, it may also be used for other conditions as recommended by your doctor.

How it is taken

The best way to take is as recommended by your doctor. It is usually taken by mouth with food daily at the same time (8 am in the morning).

You must take it strictly according to the dosage instructed by your physician and you must not stop taking the drug without consulting your physician.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Aristocort is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and modifying the body's immune system.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose unless advised, to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture.
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including a bacterial, fungal, parasitic, ameba, or viral infection, especially measles, chickenpox, shingles, tuberculosis (TB), or herpes simplex of the eye, have been recently vaccinated, or have had a positive TB skin test, intestinal problems, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, or intestinal problems (eg, obstructions, perforations, peptic ulcer, recent intestinal surgery), a blood coagulation disorder, heart problems, diabetes mellitus, kidney problems, liver disease, an underactive thyroid, unstable joints, or osteoporosis, fractures, or have had a recent heart attack or joint surgery, have unstable emotions, depression, or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness.

You must not use Aristocort if you have an allergy to any ingredient in it, have a fungal infection or are taking mifepristone,

Certain drugs can interact with Aristocort and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because these drugs reduce the efficiency of Aristocort.

Clarithromycin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or itraconazole, because they enhance the risk of severe side effects like nervous system or adrenal gland problems.

Aspirin, mifepristone or ritodrine, because Aristocort increases the chances of their side effects.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then consult your doctor before using Aristocort. It is unknown whether Aristocort is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
 

Some of the possible mild side effects of Aristocort are bone fractures, changes in appetite, changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, headache, indigestion, nervousness, stomach bloating, thin and fragile skin. However, these symptoms can be treated and you may contact if they persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, bruising or bleeding more easily, prolonged sore throat, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, stomach pain or tenderness, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision problems, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.