Azmacort

Azmacort is an oral inhaler medicine used to treat patients with asthma. Learn more about Azmacort, the conditions to be checked before prescription, proper ways of administering the drug and other important facts about the use of Azmacort.

The generic name for Azmacort is triamcinolone. Triamcinolone is represented by other brands aside from Azmacort and can be in the form of oral drug, injectable, topical or as an inhaler. Azmacort belongs to a drug called corticoisteroids. By administering the drug through inhalation, its treating ingredients are provided into the lungs that will result to the controlled and reduced occurrence of asthma symptoms. These symptoms are tightening of the chest, breathing shortness, wheezing and coughing. Doctors however do not recommend use Azmacort in immediately treating asthma attack. Azmacort is not an instantaneous symptomatic reliever; beneficial effects can only be experienced through regular and consistent use.

Before taking this drug, the doctor must first check the patient of any other medical conditions that may affect Azmacort medication. The doctor will examine conditions like seizure, underactive thyroid, stomach problems, intestinal disease, history of heart attack, myasthenia gravis – weakness of the muscles, osteporosis, mental problem, herpes infection, chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis, hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, blood clotting disorder and diabetes.

The doctor will also check on allergic reactions to food, dyes, preservatives, substances, corticosteroids and other drugs.

Discuss with the doctor about certain drugs that interact with Azmacort. Drugs that cause interactions are NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Ibuprofen, barbiturate drugs, warfarin, other drugs used to treat blood clotting problems, medicines for heart diseases, female hormones, oral contraceptive pills, drugs for diabetes, drugs used for treating myasthenia gravis, rifampin, Phenytoin, vaccine and diuretic medicines.

These drugs may affect the performance of Azmacort in the body. In addition to that, drugs may also worsen its side effects. Some of these drugs may be allowed to be taken in combination with Azmacort and some may not. Tell the doctor more about the use of non-prescribed drugs, use of herbal drugs, herbal concoction, dietary supplements, intake of alcoholic drinks, caffeine containing beverages, nicotine intake and use of illegal drugs.

When Azmacort prescription is given, make sure to know all the proper ways of administering the medicine. If the patient is not confident about self treatment, he may get an assistant to aid him in the treatment. Make sure that the assistant is well oriented with the proper ways of administering the medicine, especially on the preparation of Azmacort.

Always follow the schedule and dosing of Azmacort. The container of the Azmacort on its first used must be primed or made ready before use by shaking it well. Then spray a small amount of the content in the air away from a person’s face. Re-shake the container and spray again a small amount in the air. After this, the Azmacort medicine can be used by the patient.

This process is needed in order for the contents of the Azmacort to be properly released. This process is repeated if the Azmacort inhaler is not used for over three days. Every time a new Azmacort medicine is bought, priming the container is always a necessity.

The patient must also be prepared before administering Azmacort. The patient must clean his mouth by gargling with clean water. Before inhaling the medicine, the patient must first exhale completely. Put the inhaler’s mouthpiece properly in the mouth and must be held firmly with the lips. Then spray content into the mouth, while breathing in gradually to accommodate the intake of the contents. After the inhalation, hold breath for a few seconds before exhaling.

Be familiar with the Azmacort side effects and the right ways to deal with them. Visit the doctor regularly to track the progress of the medication. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting first with the doctor. Remember that Azmacort is not used for instant treatment, so the patient still has to avoid conditions that may trigger asthma attacks.