Triamcinolone Inhaler Dosing

For adults and adolescents (age 12 and over) who have asthma and are using the triamcinolone inhaler, dosing is usually two inhalations three to four times daily, or four inhalations twice daily. This age group should not take more than 16 inhalations of the triamcinolone inhaler each day. The recommended dose of the triamcinolone inhaler for children age 6 to 12 is one or two inhalations three to four times daily, or two to four inhalations twice daily.

 

Triamcinolone Inhaler Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of the triamcinolone inhaler (Azmacort®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The severity of your asthma
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your triamcinolone inhaler dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Triamcinolone Inhaler Dosing for Adults
For adults and adolescents (age 12 and over), the recommended triamcinolone inhaler dose for asthma is two inhalations (150 mcg) three to four times daily, or four inhalations (300 mcg) twice daily. The maximum triamcinolone inhaler dose is 16 inhalations total per day.
 
Triamcinolone Inhaler Dosing for Children
For children age 6 to 12, the recommended dose is one or two inhalations (75 mcg or 150 mcg) of the triamcinolone inhaler three to four times daily, or two to four inhalations (150 mcg to 300 mcg) twice daily. For children, the maximum triamcinolone inhaler dose is 12 inhalations per day.
 

General Triamcinolone Inhaler Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking the triamcinolone inhaler include the following:
 
  • The triamcinolone inhaler comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI").
     
  • The triamcinolone inhaler is taken two to four times a day every day. It is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat them.
     
  • You should "test spray" the triamcinolone inhaler before you first use it, or if you have not used it for more than three days. To test spray the inhaler, shake the inhaler gently, then spray it into the air twice.
     
  • The triamcinolone inhaler has a built-in "spacer." Because of the spacer, the inhaler releases a fine mist of medication (not a strong puff, like other inhalers).
     
  • Be sure to shake the inhaler gently before each use.
     
  • Wait at least one minute in between inhalations (if you take more than one inhalation at a time), making sure to shake the inhaler before each inhalation.
     
  • Rinse your mouth (without swallowing) after each triamcinolone inhaler dose in order to prevent thrush.
     
  • It is important to learn exactly how to use your triamcinolone inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require some practice.
     
  • The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
     
  • Each inhaler contains 240 sprays. Try to keep track of approximately how many sprays you have used in order to know when to replace the inhaler. Do not place the inhaler in water to see if it is empty (although doing so was recommended in the past).
     
  • For the triamcinolone inhaler to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The triamcinolone inhaler will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to the triamcinolone inhaler or your dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;