Triamcinolone vs. Dexamethasone (Ozurdex)

• Are Triamcinolone and Dexamethasone (Ozurdex) the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Triamcinolone?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Dexamethasone (Ozurdex)?
• What Is Triamcinolone?
• What Is Dexamethasone (Ozurdex)?
• What Drugs Interact with Triamcinolone?
• What Drugs Interact with Dexamethasone (Ozurdex)?
• How Should Triamcinolone Be Taken?
• How Should Dexamethasone (Ozurdex) Be Taken?

Triamcinolone acetonide ointment and dexamethasone are corticosteroids used to treat symptoms of allergic reactions.

Triamcinolone acetonide ointment is used to relieve skin inflammation, itching, dryness, and redness caused by conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Dexamethasone (Ozurdex) is used to treat allergic states, dermatologic diseases, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, hematologic disorders, neoplastic diseases, nervous system, ophthalmic diseases, renal diseases, respiratory diseases, and rheumatic disorders.

Brand names for triamcinolone acetonide ointment include Cinolar, Kenalog, and Triderm.

Brand names for dexamethasone include Ozurdex, DexPak 6 Day, and DexPak 10 day.

Triamcinolone acetonide ointment is a topical (for the skin) medication and dexamethasone is an oral medication.

Side effects of triamcinolone acetonide ointment and dexamethasone that are similar include thinning skin and skin dryness.

Side effects of triamcinolone acetonide ointment that are different from dexamethasone include application site reactions (skin redness, burning, itching, irritation, peeling, blistering) and stretch marks.

Side effects of dexamethasone that are different from triamcinolone acetonide ointment include vision changes, swelling, rapid weight gain, sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes, acne, dry skin, bruising or discoloration, slow wound healing, increased sweating, headache, dizziness, spinning sensation, nausea, stomach pain, bloating, muscle weakness, and changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Triamcinolone acetonide ointment may interact with skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Dexamethasone (Ozurdex) may interact with alcohol, "live" vaccines, antibiotics, antifungals, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, insulin or oral diabetes medications, medicines to treat dementia or Parkinson's disease, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Common side effects of Triamcinolone include:

• skin redness,
• burning,
• itching,
• irritation,
• excessive dryness,
• peeling,
• thinning of your skin,
• blistering skin,
• stretch marks, and
• acne.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of triamcinolone acetonide cream including:

• blurred vision,
• seeing halos around lights,
• uneven heartbeats,
• mood changes,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• weight gain,
• puffiness in your face, or
• feeling tired.

Common side effects of Dexamethasone (Ozurdex) include:

• blurred vision,
• eye inflammation,
• increased eye pressure, and
• retinal detachments.

Tell your doctor if you have a serious side effect of Ozurdex including:

• eye pain,
• seeing halos around lights,
• eye redness,
• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light, or
• vision changes

Triamcinolone Acetonide (triamcinolone acetonide cream) is a topical corticosteroid prescribed to relieve skin inflammation, itching, dryness, and redness. Triamcinolone acetonide cream is available as a generic drug.

Ozurdex (dexamethasone) Intravitreal Implant is a steroid injected into the eye to treat swelling that may occur when there is a blockage of certain blood vessels in your eyes. Ozurdex is also used to treat non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior (rear) segment of the eye.

Because triamcinolone acetonide cream and Dexamethasone (Ozurdex) are administered differently, they are absorbed by the body differently and have different drug interactions.

Triamcinolone acetonide cream may interact with other topical medications.

Ozurdex may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Ozurdex should be used only if prescribed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is unknown if Ozurdex implant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream is available in 0.1% strengths in 15, 30 and 80 g tubes and is applied two to four times a day, depending on the doctor's prescription. After Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream is applied, the affected area should not be covered unless directed by a doctor. Drug interactions may occur with certain cancer chemotherapy agents and other topical medications. Warnings may apply to individuals who have infections, certain eye conditions, circulatory disorders, or immune disorders. Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream is generally avoided during pregnancy and women who are breastfeeding.

Ozurdex intravitreal implant is injected into your eye by a doctor in a clinical setting.