Triamcinolone belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. Triamcinolone dental paste is used to treat inflamed mouth sores and mouth sores caused by injury. It is applied directly to the affected areas of the mouth. It acts by decreasing inflammation and protecting the damaged area from further injury.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Apply this medication 2 or 3 times daily, preferably after meals. At least one application should be at bedtime so that the medication can be in contact with the lesion overnight.

To apply, press a small dab (about 6 mm) to the lesion until a smooth, slippery, thin film develops. You may need to apply a larger amount to cover larger lesions. Do not rub it in. For best results, apply enough dental paste to just coat the lesion with a thin film. If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, call your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to apply this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Each gram of dental paste contains triamcinolone acetonide 1 mg (0.1%) in a protective emollient vehicle. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, pectin, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose in a polyethylene and mineral oil gel base.

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to triamcinolone dental paste or any ingredients of this medication
• have fungal, viral, or bacterial infections of the mouth or throat

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• signs of infection or irritation (such as burning, itching, blistering, or peeling) not present before using this medication

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing and tightness of chest; swelling of face or throat; or hives)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Medical conditions: If you have tuberculosis, a peptic ulcer, or diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Steroid effects: The small amount of steroid released when this medication is used as recommended makes overall effects within the body very unlikely. However, this may happen if the medication is used over a long period of time.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if triamcinolone dental paste passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

There may be an interaction between triamcinolone dental paste and any of the following:

• other medications used in the mouth

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.