Long-term intramuscular administration of triamcinolone acetonide. Effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

• Published in: Archives of dermatology (1960) Vol. 111; no. 12; p. 1585
• Main Authors: Carson, T E, Daane, T A, Weinstein, R L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.1975
• Subjects: Adrenal Glands - drug effects; Adrenal Glands - physiopathology; Adult; Humans; Hypothalamus - drug effects; Hypothalamus - physiopathology; Injections, Intramuscular; Male; Metyrapone; Middle Aged; Pituitary Gland - drug effects; Pituitary Gland - physiopathology; Psoriasis - drug therapy; Triamcinolone Acetonide - administration & dosage; Triamcinolone Acetonide - adverse effects; Triamcinolone Acetonide - pharmacology; Triamcinolone Acetonide - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0003-987X
• DOI: 10.1001/archderm.1975.01630240041007

Five patients received intramuscular injections of triamcinolone acetonide for periods ranging from five months to three years. Metyrapone tartrate testing was used to assess the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during, after, and, in one case, before the drug therapy. The HPA axis function was found to be suppressed during the period of treatment and up to ten months after cessation of therapy. Lens opacities appeared in two of the five patients while they were receiving triamcinolone acetonide. Results of this study indicate that patients to whom triamcinolone acetonide has been administered should be given supportive doses of corticosteroids during stressful situations (eg, major surgery). They should also receive ophthalmologic examinations every three to six months while they are receiving the medication.