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Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment and Pregnancy
It may not be safe to use triamcinolone acetonide ointment (Kenalog ointment) during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that steroids such as this one may increase the risk for birth defects or other problems. Although this medication is not likely to cause problems if used for a few days, using this drug for a long period of time is usually not recommended for pregnant women.
Triamcinolone acetonide ointment (Kenalog® ointment) is a prescription steroid approved for treating itching and inflammation due to a wide variety of skin conditions. Based on information currently available, it is unclear if the drug is safe for use during pregnancy.
Triamcinolone acetonide ointment is classified as a pregnancy Category C drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been adequately studied in pregnant humans but have caused fetal harm in animal studies.
In addition, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
Animal studies have shown that steroids, including triamcinolone acetonide, may increase the risk for birth defects (such as cleft palate) and may cause other problems (such as poor fetal growth). Similar problems might also occur in humans, although the risk is probably smaller for topical steroids that are applied to the skin.
While short-term use (a few days) of triamcinolone acetonide ointment applied to a small area of the body is probably not likely to cause problems, extended use or use over a large area of the body should probably be avoided during pregnancy.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD