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Long-acting corticosteroid

Triamcinolone hexacetonide

Brand names: Lederspan

Triamcinolone hexacetonide is a long-acting corticosteroid given by intra-articular injection to reduce inflammation in conditions such as inflammatory arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

As a glucocorticoid it binds intracellular receptors to suppress inflammatory mediator production and immune cell activity within the joint, providing prolonged local anti-inflammatory effect.

Prescribing in practice

  • Septic arthritis must be excluded before injection, and a clearly infected joint is a contraindication.
  • It is intended for intra-articular use only and is not given intravenously.
  • Repeated injections into the same joint should be limited to reduce cartilage and soft-tissue damage; consult current prescribing references for paediatric use via a children's formulary.

Monitoring

Monitor the injected joint for response and signs of infection, and observe for systemic glucocorticoid effects with repeated or large injections.

Counselling the patient

  • A short-lived flare of joint pain can occur after injection before benefit is felt.
  • Report increasing pain, swelling, redness or fever in the joint, which could indicate infection.
  • Skin thinning or colour change at the injection site can occur.

Evidence & guidelines

Intra-articular corticosteroid use is supported by the SPC and NICE/specialist rheumatology guidance.

Reference: BSR; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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