Is Triamcinolone (topical use) compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Triamcinolone (topical use)?

Triamcinolone (topical use)

October 11, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

A corticosteroid with a mainly glucocorticoid action and moderate anti-inflammatory effects (ATC D07AB), slightly higher than that of prednisolone (ATC D07AA).
Its topical dermatological use is indicated in the treatment of various types of dermatitis.

This comment is about the TOPICAL USE of triamcinolone.

Limited absorption through the skin and even mucous (Ramadas 2016, Meynadier 1981, Rasmussen 1978) makes it unlikely that significant amounts will pass into breast milk.

If it is required to treat eczema or dermatoses of the nipple, it is advisable to choose the mildest corticoid, apply it just after the feed is finished so that it has been reabsorbed before the next feed, if it is necessary residues can be removed with a gauze and do not use it for more than a week after.

Mineralocorticoid intoxication has occurred in an infant due to continuous application of a corticoid to the nipple (De Stefano 1983).

It is advisable to avoid application to the nipple of creams, gels and other topically-applied products that contain paraffin (mineral oil) so that the infant does not absorb them (Concin 2008, Noti 2003).


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • D07AB09 (ATC Code/s)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Ramadas AA, Jose R, Arathy SL, Kurup S, Chandy ML, Kumar SP. Systemic absorption of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide as topical application in management of oral lichen planus. Indian J Dent Res. 2016Abstract
  2. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B, Tomovski C, Fiselier K, Gerritzen K, Fessler S, Windbichler G, Zeimet A, Ulmer H, Siegl H, Rieger K, Concin H, Grob K. Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008Abstract
  3. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, Deiss U, Brüschweiler BJ. Exposure of babies to C15-C45 mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003Abstract
  4. De Stefano P, Bongo IG, Borgna-Pignatti C, Severi F. Factitious hypertension with mineralocorticoid excess in an infant. Helv Paediatr Acta. 1983Abstract
  5. Meynadier J, Guilhou JJ, Peyron JL. [Percutaneous absorption of triamcinolone 16 alpha, 17 alpha cyclopentylene-dioxy-21-acetate (author's transl)]. Dermatologica. 1981Abstract
  6. Rasmussen JE. Percutaneous absorption of topically applied triamcinolone in children. Arch Dermatol. 1978Abstract