Desowen 0.05% Lotion 118ml
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
Jun 1978
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desowen Lotion contains a medicine called desonide, which is a mild corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching caused by various skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
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 with your medication and follow the instructions precisely. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Applying the Medication
This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to the affected area of skin. Do not take it by mouth. Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Before applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly. If the affected area is on your hand, you do not need to wash that hand after application. Clean the affected area before applying the medication and make sure it is completely dry.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in. Unless directed by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings. Also, unless instructed by your doctor, avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Remember to shake the medication well before each use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing. Keep all medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Instead, consult with your pharmacist for guidance on the proper disposal method. You may also want to inquire about drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule. Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed one.
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions precisely. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Applying the Medication
This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to the affected area of skin. Do not take it by mouth. Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Before applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly. If the affected area is on your hand, you do not need to wash that hand after application. Clean the affected area before applying the medication and make sure it is completely dry.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in. Unless directed by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings. Also, unless instructed by your doctor, avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Remember to shake the medication well before each use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing. Keep all medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Instead, consult with your pharmacist for guidance on the proper disposal method. You may also want to inquire about drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule. Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply a thin layer of the lotion to the affected skin area as directed by your doctor, usually two or three times a day.
- Gently rub the lotion into the skin until it disappears.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the lotion, unless your hands are the area being treated.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other dressings unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed or on large areas of the body, especially in children, without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks or if it worsens.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas two or three times daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
generalUse:
Apply sparingly to affected areas. Rub in gently and completely. Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression)
Infant:
Not established (increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression)
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas two or three times daily. Use with caution and for the shortest duration possible due to increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin 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 topical corticosteroid. Corticosteroids exert their anti-inflammatory actions by inducing 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. Corticosteroids also possess vasoconstrictive properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Variable (depends on vehicle, skin integrity, site, duration of exposure, and use of occlusive dressings). Systemic absorption is generally low but can increase significantly with prolonged use, large surface areas, or occlusive dressings.
Tmax:
Not well-defined for topical application due to variable absorption.
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not typically quantified for topical corticosteroids.
ProteinBinding:
High (to plasma proteins, primarily albumin and corticosteroid-binding globulin)
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not well-defined for topical application; systemic half-life of absorbed desonide is similar to other corticosteroids.
Clearance:
Not typically quantified for topical corticosteroids.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (primarily as inactive metabolites)
Unchanged:
Minimal
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours to days for anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects.
PeakEffect:
Days to weeks of consistent application.
DurationOfAction:
Varies depending on the condition and individual response.
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 symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
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 symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
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, swelling, or pus (signs of infection)
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation at the application site
- Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, or stretch marks (striae)
- Acne-like breakouts or increased hair growth in the treated area
- Any signs of systemic side effects such as unusual weight gain, rounding of the face (moon face), or muscle weakness (especially with prolonged or extensive use)
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 adjust the dosage 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 adjust the dosage 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. If you need to use this medication on a large area of skin, exercise caution and discuss this with your doctor.
Use this medication only for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended treatment period. Be aware that this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, and consult with your doctor about this potential risk.
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 may affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Discuss this with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication to both you and your baby. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, be sure to wash the area before breastfeeding 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.
Use this medication only for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended treatment period. Be aware that this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, and consult with your doctor about this potential risk.
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 may affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Discuss this with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication to both you and your baby. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, be sure to wash the area before breastfeeding your child.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use of topical corticosteroids can lead to systemic effects due to absorption, including suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria.
- Symptoms of HPA axis suppression may include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and dizziness.
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose or significant systemic absorption, contact your doctor or poison control center immediately. Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison control. Treatment is supportive and may involve gradual withdrawal of the medication.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition and extent of dermatosis
Rationale: To establish baseline severity and guide treatment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Efficacy (reduction in inflammation, pruritus, erythema)
Frequency: Regularly, at follow-up visits (e.g., weekly to monthly depending on severity)
Target: Improvement in symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening of symptoms may indicate need for re-evaluation or alternative therapy.
Local adverse reactions (e.g., skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation)
Frequency: At each follow-up visit
Target: Absence of or minimal adverse effects
Action Threshold: Presence of significant or worsening local adverse effects may require dose reduction, discontinuation, or change in therapy.
Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, HPA axis suppression)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged use, large surface areas, or occlusive dressings. Consider morning cortisol levels or ACTH stimulation test if HPA axis suppression is suspected.
Target: Normal HPA axis function
Action Threshold: Signs of systemic absorption or HPA axis suppression require immediate re-evaluation and potential discontinuation or tapering of therapy.
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
- Blurred vision or other visual disturbances (rare, indicative of central serous chorioretinopathy or glaucoma/cataracts)
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 teratogenic effects with corticosteroids.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption from topical use is generally low.
Second Trimester:
Use with caution; systemic absorption can occur.
Third Trimester:
Use with caution; systemic absorption can occur.
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. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with appropriate use, but potential for systemic effects in infant if significant absorption occurs or if applied to breast and ingested.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than adult patients due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use the least potent corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible. Avoid occlusive dressings. Monitor for growth retardation and delayed weight gain.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients. However, elderly patients may have thinner skin, which could potentially increase the risk of local adverse effects like skin atrophy.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid, making it suitable for use on sensitive areas (e.g., face, groin, skin folds) and in pediatric patients, but still requires careful monitoring.
- Always apply a thin layer; more is not better and increases the risk of side effects.
- Avoid prolonged continuous use, especially on the face or in intertriginous areas, to minimize the risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasias, and perioral dermatitis.
- If an infection develops at the site of application, appropriate antifungal or antibacterial therapy should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.
- Patients should be advised to use this medication for the shortest duration necessary to achieve control of symptoms.
Alternative Therapies
- Other low-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone)
- Medium-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinolone acetonide) for more severe conditions or less sensitive areas
- Non-steroidal topical agents (e.g., topical calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors like crisaborole) for conditions like atopic dermatitis, especially when long-term use or use on sensitive areas is required.
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely, typically $50 - $200+ per 118ml lotion
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or Tier 2 (for 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 taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.