Triamcinolone with chlortetracycline ointment

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
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Michael Stewart 08/02/2018: Aureocort® ointment was discontinued in the United Kingdom (UK) in February 2017. At the time of review there are no branded or generic products containing triamcinolone with chlortetracycline available in the UK. This combination may still be available in other countries. This medicine leaflet is based on medical information available in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.

You only need to use a small amount of this ointment. Apply it thinly just to the infected areas, and then massage it gently into the skin until it disappears.

It is typically prescribed to be used twice a day for one week only. Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body,

Type of medicineA potent topical corticosteroid with an antibacterial agent
Used forInfected inflammatory skin conditions such as in severe eczema and dermatitis; infected insect bites
Also calledAureocort® (discontinued)
Available asOintment

Aurecort® ointment contains two ingredients - triamcinolone and chlortetracycline. Triamcinolone is classed as a potent topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids are also referred to as topical steroids. Topical steroids are used in addition to moisturisers (emollients) for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Triamcinolone relieves inflammation, itching and redness. Chlortetracycline is an antibacterial agent for treating infected areas of skin.

You will have been prescribed Aurecort® ointment because your skin is inflamed and infected. This may be because patches of eczema or dermatitis have become infected, or because you have an insect bite that has become infected. It is typically used twice a day for one week only. Potent topical steroids like triamcinolone are not generally suitable for children, although short courses may occasionally be prescribed for an older child by a skin specialist doctor.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the ointment it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you have rosacea or acne.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a skin preparation, or to an antibacterial medicine known as a 'tetracycline'.
  • Before you start using the preparation, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about topical steroids and will provide you with a full list of side-effects that you may experience from using them.
  • Apply a small amount to the areas of skin which are infected. Then gently rub it into the skin until it has disappeared.
  • Use it regularly twice daily for one week only, unless you have been directed otherwise by your doctor.
  • The amount of topical steroid that you should apply is commonly measured by fingertip units (FTUs). One FTU is the amount of cream or ointment that is squeezed out along an adult's fingertip (that is, from the very end of the finger to the first crease in the finger). As a guide, one FTU is enough to cover an area twice the size of an adult hand. Your doctor will give you an idea of how many FTUs you will need to cover the area of your skin which is affected.
  • If you are using more than one topical corticosteroid, make sure you know when and where to use each one. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or ask your pharmacist for further advice.
  • After you have applied the ointment, remember to wash your hands (unless your hands are the treated area).
  • If you are using the ointment for infected psoriasis, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It should not be used for large areas of psoriasis or for long periods of time, as these can cause your symptoms to flare up again afterwards.
  • If you are using a moisturiser along with this preparation, apply the moisturiser first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying Aureocort® ointment. This allows time for the moisturiser to be absorbed before the topical corticosteroid is applied. Your skin should be moist but not slippery when you apply Aureocort®.
  • Do not use Aureocort® on your face unless a skin specialist doctor has said you should. If you have been told to use it on your face, be careful not to get any preparation near your eyes and do not use it for longer periods of time than you have been advised.
  • Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated, as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase the risk of side-effects.
  • Continue to use Aureocort® until the flare-up has gone and then stop it. A course of treatment for seven days is usually sufficient. If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), speak again with your doctor for further advice. Topical corticosteroids like triamcinolone should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body.
  • Be careful not to let the preparation come into contact with your clothing, as it may stain.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. You can reduce the risk of side-effects from topical steroids like triamcinolone by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and applying it to the affected areas only.

Side-effects of triamcinolone with chlortetracycline
What can I do if I experience this?
A burning sensation or smartingThese may occur in the first few days but usually get better after this
Thinning of the skin, permanent stretchmarks, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and hair growth at the site of applicationThese would normally only affect you if you use the ointment for long periods of time
Triamcinolone may get through your skin and into your bloodstreamThis usually causes no problem unless you use the ointment regularly on large areas of your skin
Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlightAvoid strong sunlight and sunbeds. If a rash develops, stop using the ointment and speak with your doctor as soon as possible

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the ointment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. 

Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking or using. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.

If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking or using any medicine.

Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of the medicine by accident, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking or using.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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