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Triamcinolone

Prescription
Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to reduce inflammation and immune response; intermediate potency with minimal mineralocorticoid activity

At a glance

Class
Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light; do not freeze injection

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Inflammatory/allergic conditions
Dose
0.1–0.3 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
8 mg/dose; 16 mg/day
Duration: Short course; taper over 2–3 weeks
Intra-articular / Intralesional
Dose
1–5 mg total
Route
Intra-articular, Intralesional
Frequency
Once; may repeat in 2–4 weeks
Max dose
10 mg
Duration: As needed; limit frequency
🐈

Cat

Inflammatory/allergic skin conditions / Eosinophilic granuloma
Dose
0.1–0.3 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
2 mg
Duration: Short course; taper
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
4mg
Available in India
💉

Injection (acetonide) — 1

Strength
40mg/mL
Available in India
🧪

Topical cream — 1

Strength
0.1%
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light; do not freeze injection

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Systemic fungal infections
  • Active GI ulceration

Use with caution

  • Diabetes mellitus
    Will increase blood glucose
  • Concurrent NSAIDs
    Increased GI ulceration risk

Adverse effects

Common
Polydipsia
Polyuria
Polyphagia
Panting (dogs)
Serious
Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism
GI ulceration
Immunosuppression
Diabetes mellitus

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucoseUrine specific gravityLiver enzymesClinical signs of Cushing's
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Kenalog
Bristol-Myers Squibb

India

Kenacort
Abbott India
Tricort
Cadila/Zydus

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Triamcinolone?
Triamcinolone is a intermediate-acting glucocorticoid used in pets. Binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to reduce inflammation and immune response; intermediate potency with minimal mineralocorticoid activity
What is Triamcinolone used for in pets?
Triamcinolone is used in veterinary medicine for: Inflammatory/allergic conditions; Intra-articular / Intralesional; Inflammatory/allergic skin conditions / Eosinophilic granuloma.
What is the Triamcinolone dose for dogs?
For dogs, Triamcinolone is typically dosed as follows — Inflammatory/allergic conditions: 0.1–0.3 mg/kg PO SID to BID; Intra-articular / Intralesional: 1–5 mg total Intra-articular/Intralesional Once; may repeat in 2–4 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Triamcinolone dose for cats?
For cats, Triamcinolone is typically dosed as follows — Inflammatory/allergic skin conditions / Eosinophilic granuloma: 0.1–0.3 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Triamcinolone?
Common: Polydipsia, Polyuria, Polyphagia, Panting (dogs). Serious (call your vet immediately): Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism, GI ulceration, Immunosuppression, Diabetes mellitus.
Does Triamcinolone need a prescription?
Yes. Triamcinolone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Triamcinolone not be used?
Do not use Triamcinolone if: Systemic fungal infections; Active GI ulceration.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid).

Methylprednisolone
Rx
Synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties; slightly more potent than prednisolone with less mineralocorticoid activity
dogcat
Prednisolone
Rx
Binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to produce anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic effects
dogcat
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