Storage
Store at room temperature
Synonyms
Fluoxyprednisolone; Kenacort; Rodinolone; Volon; Triamcinolon; Delphicort; Ledercort; Tricortale
Molecular Formula
C21H27FO6
Smiles
C[C@]12C[C@@H]([C@]3([C@H]([C@@H]1C[C@H]([C@@]2(C(=O)CO)O)O)CCC4=CC(=O)C=C[C@@]43C)F)O
Appearance
White to off-white crystalline powder
Boiling Point
587.5±50.0°C at 760 mmHg
Relative Density
1.1703 (Estimate)
General Description
Triamcinolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid with a 9α-fluoro and 16α-hydroxy substitution, belonging to the class of corticosteroids. Its chemical structure is 9α-fluoro-11β,16α,17α,21-tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione. Triamcinolone is a white to off-white crystalline powder, practically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
Mechanism of Action
Triamcinolone binds to the cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor, and the receptor-ligand complex translocates to the nucleus, modulating gene expression. It suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase, and reduces leukocyte migration. The drug also induces the synthesis of lipocortin, which inhibits the release of arachidonic acid.
Application
Triamcinolone is indicated for the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including asthma, allergic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatologic diseases. It is also used for the management of adrenal insufficiency, cerebral edema, and as an immunosuppressant in organ transplantation. The drug is effective in reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response.
In a randomized trial comparing three corticosteroid injections for uveitic macular edema, all treatments reduced central subfield thickness. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (39% reduction) and the intravitreal dexamethasone implant (46% reduction) were superior to periocular triamcinolone acetonide (23% reduction) at 8 weeks. Both intravitreal treatments also improved visual acuity by 5 letters more than periocular injection. Intraocular pressure elevation risk was higher with intravitreal treatments, but did not differ between them. Intravitreal corticosteroids are more effective for uveitic macular edema.
Fig. 1 Change in retinal thickness at the central subfield measured by optical coherence tomography at each visit by treatment group. (Thorne JE, et al., 2019)
References
- Thorne JE, et al. Periocular Triamcinolone vs. Intravitreal Triamcinolone vs. Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for the Treatment of Uveitic Macular Edema: The PeriOcular vs. INTravitreal corticosteroids for uveitic macular edema (POINT) Trial. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(2):283-295.
Does Triamcinolone require protection from light and moisture during storage?
Yes, it is sensitive to both light and moisture. Light causes photodegradation and moisture promotes hydrolysis of the acetonide group. Store in light-resistant, tightly sealed containers with desiccant.
What is the recommended storage temperature for Triamcinolone?
Store at controlled room temperature (15–25°C). Avoid excessive heat above 30°C, which accelerates oxidation and degradation of the corticosteroid ring.
Is Triamcinolone stable in topical cream and injectable suspension formulations?
Yes, when formulated with preservatives and protected from light.
How is the impurity triamcinolone acetonide related compound (a process-related impurity) monitored?
This impurity is quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC method, ensuring it remains within pharmacopoeial limits.