Uses

What is nasal triamcinolone used for?

Nasal triamcinolone is commonly used to treat hay fever and allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny, stuffy, or itchy nose. 

Nasal triamcinolone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does nasal triamcinolone work (mechanism of action)?

Nasal triamcinolone works by calming the immune system and preventing the release of certain substances that lead to inflammation and allergy symptoms. 

How is nasal triamcinolone supplied (dosage forms)?

Nasal triamcinolone is available as Nasacort Allergy 24HR and generic nasal triamcinolone as a 55 mcg/spray that is sprayed in the nose.

How should I store nasal triamcinolone?

Nasal triamcinolone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nasal triamcinolone?

The most common side effects of nasal triamcinolone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Sore throat
  • Nosebleed (see below)
  • Cough
  • Headache or flu-like symptoms (children)
  • Upset stomach or stomach pain

There may be other side effects of nasal triamcinolone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nasal triamcinolone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nasal triamcinolone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nasal triamcinolone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nasal triamcinolone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infection. Nasal triamcinolone may increase your risk of getting an infection. The risk may be greater if higher doses are used or if used for a long time. Stop using nasal triamcinolone and tell your healthcare provider if you come into contact with someone who has chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis or you develop a fever or other symptoms of an infection.

Vision Changes. Nasal triamcinolone may cause changes to your vision such as blurred vision, difficulty reading, or eye pain. Stop using nasal triamcinolone and tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in your vision or trouble seeing.

Nosebleed. Nasal triamcinolone may cause severe or frequent nosebleeds. Stop using nasal triamcinolone and tell your healthcare provider if you are having nosebleeds often or if bleeding from your nose is difficult to stop. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nasal triamcinolone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use nasal triamcinolone.

  • Nasacort
  • Nasacort Allergy 24HR
  • Triamcinolone 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nasal triamcinolone products they stock.

Children Below 2 Years of Age. Nasal triamcinolone should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age.

What should I know about nasal triamcinolone before using it?

Ask your pharmacist or other healthcare provider to show you how to correctly use and clean your nasal triamcinolone. Follow the “Instructions for Use” that comes with your nasal triamcinolone when using it for the first time or if you have not used it in more than two weeks. 

Do not share nasal triamcinolone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may spread germs and harm them.

Keep nasal triamcinolone out of the reach of children.

Nasal triamcinolone should not be used to treat the symptoms of common cold.

Shake the bottle well before each use. Be careful not to spray the medicine into your eyes or mouth. 

Some of your allergy symptoms may get better right away, but it may take up to a week to get relief from most allergy symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve after a week, stop using the medicine and talk to your healthcare provider.

Nasal triamcinolone may cause some children to grow more slowly than normal. Talk to your healthcare provider if your child needs to use the spray for more than two months a year.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using nasal triamcinolone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nasal triamcinolone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Infections such as chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis or contact with anyone with these infections
  • Recent nose surgery 
  • Nose injuries or ulcers that have not healed
  • Asthma, allergies, or skin rash being treated with a steroid medicine
  • Eye infection
  • Glaucoma or cataracts

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nasal triamcinolone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use nasal triamcinolone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if nasal triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use nasal triamcinolone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does nasal triamcinolone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nasal triamcinolone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nasal triamcinolone.

Does nasal triamcinolone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between nasal triamcinolone and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Triamcinolone nasal interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nasal triamcinolone?

If you or someone else has used too much nasal triamcinolone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nasal triamcinolone?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.