Drug Reference
Desonide
Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II)
Rx only
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II)
- Action class
- Corticosteroid
- Mechanism
- Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Brand names
DesowenDesrxLokaraTridesilonVerdeso
Available as
0.5 MG/ML0.0005 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.5 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.0005 MG/MG · Topical Gel
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desonide cream, 0.05% is a low potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses. It should not be used for longer than two weeks unless directed by a physician.
How it works
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Like other topical corticosteroids, desonide has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A 2 . Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption. Studies performed with desonide cream, 0.05% indicate that it is in the low range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
How to use / dosing
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Desonide cream, 0.05% should be applied to the affected area as a thin film two to four times daily depending on the severity of the condition. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within two weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Desonide cream, 0.05% should not be used with occlusive dressings.
Side effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of desonide cream, 0.05% was approximately 1%. The adverse reactions for desonide cream, 0.05% were pruritus, pain, folliculitis, rash, peripheral edema, pustular rash, sweating, erythema, irritation, and burning. Laboratory abnormalities were found in 3% of the patients. These were hyperglycemia (2%) and liver function abnormality (1%). The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, burning and hypopigmentation.
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with desonide cream, 0.05%. It is also not known whether desonide cream, 0.05% can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Desonide cream, 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
BreastfeedingCaution
Nursing Mothers Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when desonide cream, 0.05% is administered to a nursing woman.
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Desonide cream, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
Pediatric use
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during or after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse effects including striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include low plasma cortisol levels and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Overdose
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied desonide cream, 0.05% can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.