Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA)

Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors.

Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors. Used for Inflammatory and allergic conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis), Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, Allergic rhinitis and asthma.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Triamcinolone acetonide is a medium-to-long acting glucocorticoid that exerts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, leading to altered gene transcription and reduced production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. It inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, and decreases immune cell migration and activation. The acetonide ester formulation provides sustained release and enhanced potency compared to the parent compound.

Approved indications

• Inflammatory and allergic conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders
• Allergic rhinitis and asthma
• Ocular inflammation
• Oral lichen planus and other oral inflammatory conditions

Common side effects

• Skin atrophy (with topical use)
• Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression
• Hyperglycemia
• Immunosuppression and increased infection risk
• Osteoporosis (with chronic systemic use)
• Mood changes, insomnia

Key clinical trials

• Alternating Triamcinolone and Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Oral Submucous Fibrosis (NA)
• Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment With Zilretta vs. Kenalog in the Context of Type II Diabetes (PHASE4)
• Everads Injector in Suprachoroidal Administration of TA Suspension, for Treatment of Patients With DME (NA)
• Local Triamcinolone Injection Combined With Fibrin Glue Spray in Preventing Esophageal Stricture After Big-range Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Esophageal Early Cancer (PHASE2)
• The Efficacy of Intra-articular Triamcinolone Acetonide 5mg vs. 10 mg vs. 40 mg in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis (PHASE4)
• Effectiveness of Periocular Drug Injection in CATaract Surgery (PHASE3)
• Study to Compare Exposure of TA Following Administration of FX006 or TAcs in Patients With OA of the Shoulder or Hip (PHASE2)
• Study to Compare Exposure of TA Following Administration of Either FX006 or TAcs in Patients With Bilateral Knee OA (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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