Kenacort (triamcinolone) is a glucocorticoid predominantly used to treat inflammation, allergies, and overactive immune responses. It is effective in both acute and chronic conditions, ranging from an isolated allergic reaction to long-term conditions like lupus.

Off-label Kenacort is sometimes used to help treat macular degeneration, though this use is advisable only with the involvement of a doctor familiar with the treatment.

As tablets Kenacort is sold under many names, perhaps the most notable being Aristocort. The active ingredient in this product is also found in numerous other formulations, such as topical solutions, inhalers, nasal sprays, and injections. Some of these other formulations may also include additional medications.

Patients should be sure they're buying the correct type of medication here; Kenacort is single-ingredient tablets. Patients looking for other formulations or combination products will need to search for a different product name.

Kenacort Uses

As tablets, Kenacort works best at treating systemic conditions, such as lupus or ulcerative colitis. It can also be used to treat other conditions that are severe, such as allergic reactions, psoriasis, and so forth:

• Allergic disorders
• Breathing disorders
• Skin conditions
• Arthritis
• Lupus
• Psoriasis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia
• Other similar disorders

If not severe or systemic, however, more direct application of the medication is preferred; nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis, inhalers for asthma, a topical solution for psoriasis, and so on. Patients who are uncertain if a condition is severe enough to warrant Kenacort or not should consult a doctor.

Taking Kenacort

In most cases Kenacort is taken for two to four weeks at a time, with one or two of those weeks used to gradually taper down dosage. Abruptly ending treatment at higher doses can produce withdrawal symptoms.

Dosage is nearly impossible to summarize; it depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and numerous other personal variables like age, weight, other medications involved, and so forth. Some general guidelines for the majority of patients:

• Tablets should be taken with food to prevent gastrointestinal side effects.
• In most cases tablets are taken just once per day.
• In the majority of cases tablets are used only short-term, two to four weeks.
• Dosage should be gradually reduced over one to two weeks when ending treatment.

There are exceptions to the above; doctor instructions should be followed carefully.

In the majority of cases tablets are prescribed to manage flare-ups. Once the flare-up is under control, Kenacort treatment is tapered down and stopped until the next flare-up, weeks or months later.

Patients will need to speak with a doctor to get an individualized treatment plan. The majority of Kenacort patients find the medication quickly minimizes the ailment it's being taken for, with only a few mild side effects.

Warnings Before Use

The active ingredient in Kenacort, triamcinolone, is a steroid, and as with any steroid use---particularly when taken via tablet or injection---there are certain risks associated with it.

While Kenacort can be used in children, use should always be short term and infrequent, and ideally only with doctor approval. Long-term use, particularly at high doses, can lead to serious and permanent side effects in young bodies, such as stunted growth.

In all ages steroids inhibit the immune system's response. Patients should avoid situations where exposure to contagions is likely, including crowded public places, for the duration of treatment. Likewise patients should not receive vaccinations or immunizations---particularly of the live variety---and should avoid those individuals who have recently had them.

Even very small injuries should be immediately washed and care taken to keep them clean; infections are more likely than when not taking steroids.

If illness or infection does develop while taking Kenacort, medical attention should be sought. Treatment may need to be suspended until the patient is better. Keep in mind that abrupt discontinuation of steroids can lead to withdrawal effects; treatment may need to be tapered down over several days.