Triamcinolone

Triamcinolone is a so-called glucocorticoid, which is a modification of the naturally occurring hormone cortisol. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects and also has an inhibitory effect on certain activities of the immune system. It has a number of uses. These include the treatment of rheumatic diseases, allergic reactions, COPD and certain skin diseases such as psoriasis. Triamcinolone is mainly administered in the form of its most common salt, triamcinolone acetonide. The most common dosage forms are tablets and preparations for superficial application. Triamcinolone is available only on prescription.

Pharmacodynamics

Triamcinolone acts because of its structural similarity to endogenous glucocorticoids. Unbound, it can penetrate the membrane of the cell and then bind with high affinity to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors.

The anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) effect is achieved by interfering with the so-called arachidonic acid metabolism. The active substance causes fewer prostaglandins and leukotrienes to be produced at the end of this metabolism. These are significantly involved in the inflammatory process of the human body.

Triamcinolone has an anti-allergic effect by preventing the release of histamine and simultaneously reducing the number and activity of certain B and T lymphocytes.

Pharmacokinetics

Triamcinolone is degraded by enzymes of the CYP450 system in cells of the liver. It has a plasma half-life of approximately 2-3 hours and is 68% bound to plasma proteins. Excretion is almost entirely in the urine.

Drug interactions

There are no known interactions.

Side effects

Typical side effects are atrophic manifestations on muscles and skin, steroid acne, cardiac arrhythmia, edema and fat distribution disorders. Excessive doses may also lead to the occurrence of the so-called Cushing's syndrome.

Toxicological data

LD50 (rat, subcutaneous): 13,100µg/kg