Desonide 0.05% Lotion 118ml
It is used to treat skin rashes and other skin irritation.
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Pharmacologic Class
Corticosteroid
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Sep 1993
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desonide lotion is a mild corticosteroid medication applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching caused by various skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It works by calming the immune response in the skin.
How to Use This Medicine
Using Your Medication Correctly
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions precisely. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Applying the Medication
Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for use on your skin only.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in.
Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
Shake the medication well before each use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature and do not freeze it.
Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for information on drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions precisely. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Applying the Medication
Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for use on your skin only.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in.
Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
Shake the medication well before each use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature and do not freeze it.
Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for information on drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply a thin layer of the lotion to the affected skin area and rub it in gently until it disappears. Do not use more than directed.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the lotion, unless your hands are the treated area.
- Avoid applying the lotion to your eyes, mouth, or inside your nose. If it gets into these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages, plastic wrap, or other occlusive dressings unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed, especially on the face, groin, or armpits, or in children, as prolonged use can lead to skin thinning or other side effects.
- Do not use this lotion for diaper rash unless specifically advised by a doctor.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
eczema:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
dermatitis:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with extreme caution, if at all, due to increased systemic absorption risk).
Infant:
Not established (use with extreme caution, if at all, due to increased systemic absorption risk).
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily. Use the smallest amount for the shortest duration possible. Monitor for signs of systemic toxicity (e.g., HPA axis suppression).
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed for topical use.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed for topical use.
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed for topical use.
Dialysis:
No specific adjustment needed for topical use.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed for topical use.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed for topical use.
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed for topical use.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Desonide is a low-potency corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 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 A2.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Variable (generally low systemic absorption, but can increase with occlusive dressings, broken skin, or in children)
Tmax:
Not well characterized for topical application
FoodEffect:
Not applicable for topical application
Distribution:
Vd:
Not well characterized for topical application
ProteinBinding:
Not well characterized for topical application
CnssPenetration:
Limited (systemic absorption is low)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not well characterized for topical application
Clearance:
Not well characterized for topical application
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (metabolites)
Unchanged:
Not available
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours for symptomatic relief (e.g., reduced itching, redness)
PeakEffect:
Days to weeks for full therapeutic effect
DurationOfAction:
Not precisely quantified for topical application, but effects persist for several hours after application.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, such as:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling very tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, including:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Skin irritation
Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth)
Change in skin color
Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help if they bother you or do not go away:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, such as:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling very tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, including:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Skin irritation
Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth)
Change in skin color
Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help if they bother you or do not go away:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Worsening of your skin condition or development of new skin irritation (e.g., increased redness, burning, itching, or rash).
- Signs of a skin infection (e.g., pus, fever, increased pain, spreading redness).
- Signs of skin thinning or damage (e.g., stretch marks, easy bruising, spider veins, very thin or fragile skin).
- Unusual hair growth at the application site.
- Acne-like breakouts.
- Signs of systemic absorption (rare with proper use, but possible with extensive or prolonged use): unusual weight gain, rounding of the face ('moon face'), fatigue, muscle weakness, swelling in ankles/feet, vision problems.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
The presence of an infection at the site where this medication will be applied.
* Any areas of thinning skin where you plan to apply this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
The presence of an infection at the site where this medication will be applied.
* Any areas of thinning skin where you plan to apply this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before using any other medications or skin products, such as soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use.
When applying this medication, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if the treated area is in the diaper region, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body. Do not apply this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
Exercise caution when using this medication on a large area of skin, and consult with your doctor to discuss any potential risks. Do not use this medication for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor.
Be aware that this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child using this medication, use it with caution, as children may be more susceptible to certain side effects.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers. Regular growth checks may be necessary, so consult with your doctor to monitor growth and development. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, wash the area thoroughly before nursing your child.
When applying this medication, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if the treated area is in the diaper region, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body. Do not apply this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
Exercise caution when using this medication on a large area of skin, and consult with your doctor to discuss any potential risks. Do not use this medication for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor.
Be aware that this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child using this medication, use it with caution, as children may be more susceptible to certain side effects.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers. Regular growth checks may be necessary, so consult with your doctor to monitor growth and development. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, wash the area thoroughly before nursing your child.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use of desonide lotion can lead to systemic side effects due to absorption into the bloodstream. Symptoms may include: Cushing's syndrome (e.g., moon face, central obesity, thin skin, easy bruising), adrenal suppression (fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), glucosuria (sugar in urine).
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose or prolonged excessive use, contact your doctor or a poison control center immediately. In the US, call 1-800-222-1222. Management typically involves gradual withdrawal of the medication and supportive care for any systemic effects.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment
Rationale: To establish baseline severity, extent, and type of dermatosis.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Local adverse reactions (e.g., atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, folliculitis)
Frequency: Regularly during therapy, especially with prolonged use or on sensitive areas.
Target: Absence of new or worsening reactions
Action Threshold: If reactions occur, consider reducing frequency, discontinuing, or changing therapy.
Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, glucosuria)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with extensive or prolonged use, or in pediatric patients.
Target: Normal HPA axis function, normal blood glucose
Action Threshold: If suspected, perform appropriate tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation test, blood glucose). Discontinue or gradually withdraw the drug.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening of treated skin condition
- Increased redness, itching, or burning at application site
- Development of new skin irritation or rash
- Signs of skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), or visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
- Signs of skin infection (pus, fever, increased pain)
- Unusual hair growth (hypertrichosis)
- Acne-like eruptions
- Signs of systemic effects: unusual weight gain, moon face, fatigue, muscle weakness, swelling of ankles/feet, vision changes.
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Desonide is Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown corticosteroids to be teratogenic.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption from topical use is generally low.
Second Trimester:
Potential for fetal growth restriction or other effects with high doses or prolonged use.
Third Trimester:
Potential for fetal growth restriction or other effects with high doses or prolonged use. Adrenal suppression in the infant is theoretically possible with extensive maternal use near term.
Lactation
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Use with caution in nursing mothers. Avoid applying to areas that may come into direct contact with the infant's mouth or skin.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with proper use due to minimal systemic absorption, but potential for adverse effects if significant amounts are ingested by the infant or absorbed through the infant's skin.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use the smallest effective amount for the shortest duration possible. Not recommended for infants under 3 months of age.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments are generally needed. However, elderly patients may have thinner, more fragile skin, which could increase susceptibility to local adverse effects like atrophy or bruising. Monitor skin integrity closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid, making it suitable for use on sensitive areas like the face, groin, and armpits, and for pediatric patients, where higher potency steroids might cause more side effects.
- Despite its low potency, prolonged or extensive use can still lead to local side effects (e.g., skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias) and, rarely, systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression.
- Educate patients on proper application technique: apply a thin film, rub in gently, and do not use occlusive dressings unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.
- This lotion is not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.
- If the condition does not improve within 2 weeks, or if it worsens, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Alternative Therapies
- Other low-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone)
- Medium-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone acetonide, mometasone furoate) for more severe cases or different body areas.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for steroid-sparing therapy, especially on sensitive areas.
- Emollients and moisturizers for barrier repair and symptom relief.
- Antihistamines (oral) for associated pruritus.
- Systemic therapies (e.g., oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressants) for severe, widespread, or refractory dermatoses.
Cost & Coverage
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or Tier 2 (preferred generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.