Desonide 0.05% Ointment 15gm
It is used to treat skin rashes and other skin irritation.
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Pharmacologic Class
Corticosteroid, Anti-inflammatory
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1993
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desonide is a mild corticosteroid medicine applied to the skin to reduce redness, itching, and swelling caused by various skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It works by calming down the skin's immune response.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Application Instructions
Apply this medication only to your skin, as directed by your doctor. Do not take it by mouth.
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 area being treated.
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.
Unless directed by your doctor, do not apply the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Storage and Disposal
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 guidance on the best way to dispose of medications, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
Missed 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 correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Application Instructions
Apply this medication only to your skin, as directed by your doctor. Do not take it by mouth.
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 area being treated.
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.
Unless directed by your doctor, do not apply the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Storage and Disposal
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 guidance on the best way to dispose of medications, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
Missed 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
- Wash hands before and after applying the ointment.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area, gently rubbing it in until it disappears.
- Do not use more than prescribed or for longer than recommended.
- Avoid applying to the eyes, mouth, or inside the nose.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or tight dressings unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Avoid using on large areas of the body, especially in children.
- Keep out of reach of children.
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 high risk of systemic absorption)
Infant:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily. Use with caution, for limited duration, and avoid occlusive dressings due to increased risk of systemic absorption.
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily. Use with caution, for limited duration, and avoid occlusive dressings due to increased risk of systemic absorption.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Moderate:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Severe:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Dialysis:
No specific considerations due to minimal systemic absorption.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Moderate:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Severe:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Desonide is a low-potency corticosteroid. Like other topical corticosteroids, it possesses anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. These effects are thought to result from the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, lipocortins. 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:
Varies; generally low systemic absorption (less than 5%) but can be increased by factors such as vehicle, integrity of epidermal barrier, duration of exposure, and use of occlusive dressings. Higher in areas like scrotum, axilla, face, and scalp.
Tmax:
Not precisely quantifiable for topical systemic absorption; local effect is rapid.
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical administration).
Distribution:
Vd:
Not precisely quantifiable due to minimal systemic absorption.
ProteinBinding:
Variable, but generally high for corticosteroids once absorbed systemically.
CnssPenetration:
Limited (minimal systemic absorption).
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not precisely quantifiable for topical systemic absorption; systemic corticosteroids have variable half-lives.
Clearance:
Not precisely quantifiable due to minimal systemic absorption.
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal (metabolites), with some biliary excretion.
Unchanged:
Minimal unchanged drug excreted.
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours of application for anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects.
PeakEffect:
Within days of consistent application.
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as applied, with residual effects for a period after discontinuation.
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 passing out
+ 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, such as:
+ 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:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible 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 passing out
+ 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, such as:
+ 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:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible 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:
- Increased redness, itching, or irritation at the application site.
- Signs of skin infection (pus, fever, spreading redness).
- Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, or stretch marks (striae) in the treated area.
- Acne-like breakouts or increased hair growth in the treated area.
- If used extensively or for prolonged periods, watch for signs of systemic absorption like unusual weight gain, swelling in the face, or fatigue (rare).
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. Additionally, share any health problems you are experiencing to ensure safe use of this medication.
To guarantee your safety, do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is vital to verify that this medication can be taken safely with all your other medications and health conditions.
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. Additionally, share any health problems you are experiencing to ensure safe use of this medication.
To guarantee your safety, do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is vital to verify that this medication can be taken safely with all your other medications and health conditions.
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. If you need to use this medication on a large area of skin, exercise caution and discuss this with your doctor.
Adhere to your doctor's prescribed treatment duration and do not use this medication for an extended period beyond the recommended timeframe. Prolonged use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.
When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this population. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication for both you and your baby. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, be sure to 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. If you need to use this medication on a large area of skin, exercise caution and discuss this with your doctor.
Adhere to your doctor's prescribed treatment duration and do not use this medication for an extended period beyond the recommended timeframe. Prolonged use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.
When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this population. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication for both you and your baby. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, be sure to wash the area thoroughly before nursing your child.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Acute overdose with topical corticosteroids is unlikely due to minimal systemic absorption.
- Chronic overuse or misuse (e.g., on large areas, under occlusion, or for prolonged periods) can lead to systemic effects such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria, especially in children.
What to Do:
Discontinue the medication gradually under medical supervision. Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment
Rationale: To establish baseline severity of dermatosis and identify any pre-existing skin thinning or infection.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Clinical response and local adverse effects (e.g., atrophy, striae, folliculitis, irritation)
Frequency: Regularly, at follow-up visits (e.g., weekly to monthly depending on severity and duration of use).
Target: Improvement in dermatosis symptoms without significant local side effects.
Action Threshold: Worsening of condition, signs of infection, or significant local adverse effects warrant re-evaluation and potential discontinuation.
Signs of HPA axis suppression (rare with desonide, but possible with extensive use, occlusion, or in children)
Frequency: Consider if large areas are treated, prolonged use, or in pediatric patients. May involve plasma cortisol levels or ACTH stimulation test.
Target: Normal HPA axis function.
Action Threshold: Evidence of HPA axis suppression requires gradual withdrawal of the drug or substitution with a less potent corticosteroid.
Symptom Monitoring
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Folliculitis
- Hypertrichosis
- Acneiform eruptions
- Hypopigmentation
- Perioral dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Maceration of the skin
- Secondary infection
- Skin atrophy
- Striae
- Miliaria
- Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome symptoms, hyperglycemia, glucosuria - rare)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects with corticosteroids, but human data for topical desonide are limited. Minimal systemic absorption is expected.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption is low.
Second Trimester:
Minimal risk with appropriate use.
Third Trimester:
Minimal risk with appropriate use.
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. If used, avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with appropriate use due to minimal systemic absorption.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature adults because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use the least potent effective corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible. Avoid occlusive dressings. Monitor for signs of systemic toxicity.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments are typically needed. However, geriatric patients may have thinner skin, which could increase susceptibility to local side effects like skin atrophy and purpura. Use with caution and monitor skin integrity.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desonide 0.05% ointment is a low-potency topical corticosteroid, suitable for sensitive areas like the face, groin, and axilla, or for mild dermatoses.
- Ointments are generally more potent than creams or lotions of the same concentration due to increased penetration and occlusive properties.
- Advise patients to apply a very thin layer; a little goes a long way.
- Avoid prolonged continuous use, especially on the face or in intertriginous areas, to minimize the risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasias, and striae.
- If no improvement is seen after 2-4 weeks, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Alternative Therapies
- Other low-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone 1% cream/ointment)
- Medium-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream/ointment - if desonide is insufficient)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus - for steroid-sparing effect, especially on face/intertriginous areas)
- Emollients and moisturizers (for barrier repair and symptom relief in dry skin conditions)
- Antihistamines (for pruritus)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$20 - $60 per 15gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or Tier 2 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to ensure you receive the best possible care.