Desowen 0.05% Lotion 59ml
It is used to treat skin rashes and other skin irritation.
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Pharmacologic Class
Corticosteroid
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jun 1978
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desowen lotion is a medicine applied to the skin to help reduce redness, swelling, and itching caused by various skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids.
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 closely. 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 your hand after applying the medication. 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, avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Before each use, shake the medication well.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing. 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, as there may be drug take-back programs available 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 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 closely. 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 your hand after applying the medication. 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, avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Before each use, shake the medication well.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing. 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, as there may be drug take-back programs available 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 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 area being treated.
- Avoid getting the lotion in your eyes, mouth, or 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 lotion for longer than prescribed by your doctor, especially on the face, groin, or armpits, or in children.
- Do not use this lotion for diaper rash unless specifically advised by a doctor.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two to three times daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
eczema:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two to three times daily.
dermatitis:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two to three times daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (increased risk of systemic absorption)
Infant:
Not established (increased risk of systemic absorption); generally not recommended for infants under 3 months.
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two to 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 areas two to 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 considerations 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. It acts by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called 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. Desonide also exhibits anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Limited systemic absorption; varies depending on the integrity of the epidermal barrier, vehicle, and use of occlusive dressings. Increased absorption occurs with inflammation, skin barrier defects, and application to large surface areas.
Tmax:
Not precisely defined for topical application due to variable systemic absorption.
FoodEffect:
Not applicable for topical formulation.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not precisely defined for topical application.
ProteinBinding:
Not precisely defined for topical application, but corticosteroids generally bind to plasma proteins.
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not precisely defined for topical application due to variable systemic absorption.
Clearance:
Not precisely defined for topical application.
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal (metabolites), some biliary excretion.
Unchanged:
Minimal
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours to days for anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects.
PeakEffect:
Days to weeks of consistent application.
DurationOfAction:
Varies with application frequency 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 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, 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 if they bother you or do not go away:
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 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, 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 if they bother you or do not go away:
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:
- Worsening of your skin condition or no improvement after the prescribed treatment period.
- Signs of a skin infection (e.g., increased redness, swelling, pus, fever).
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation at the application site.
- New skin changes such as thinning of the skin, stretch marks (striae), easy bruising, or changes in skin color.
- Unusual weight gain, swelling in your face or neck (moon face), or increased body hair, which could be signs of systemic absorption (Cushing's syndrome).
- Fatigue, muscle weakness, or dizziness, which could indicate adrenal gland 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, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health issues.
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, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health issues.
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 products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor.
To ensure safe use, 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. When using 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. Prolonged use may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma; therefore, consult with your doctor about this potential risk.
When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as they may be more susceptible to certain side effects. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, making regular growth checks necessary. Discuss this with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to weigh 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 to minimize exposure.
To ensure safe use, 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. When using 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. Prolonged use may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma; therefore, consult with your doctor about this potential risk.
When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as they may be more susceptible to certain side effects. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, making regular growth checks necessary. Discuss this with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to weigh 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 to minimize exposure.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use can lead to systemic absorption and symptoms of hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome), including: moon face, central obesity, striae, hypertension, hyperglycemia, muscle weakness, and HPA axis suppression.
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose or significant systemic absorption, contact your doctor or a poison control center immediately. In the US, call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; gradual withdrawal of the corticosteroid may be necessary.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment
Rationale: To establish baseline severity of dermatosis and identify any pre-existing skin damage or infection.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Extent of affected body surface area
Rationale: To assess potential for systemic absorption, especially in pediatric patients or with extensive use.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Efficacy (reduction in inflammation, pruritus)
Frequency: Regularly, at follow-up visits (e.g., weekly to bi-weekly initially, then as needed).
Target: Visible improvement in skin lesions.
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening of condition may indicate need for re-evaluation or alternative therapy.
Local adverse effects (e.g., skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis, perioral dermatitis)
Frequency: At each follow-up visit, especially with prolonged use.
Target: Absence of new or worsening local skin changes.
Action Threshold: Development of significant local adverse effects warrants discontinuation or change in therapy.
Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with extensive use, prolonged therapy, or in pediatric patients. Consider morning cortisol levels if HPA axis suppression is suspected.
Target: Normal physiological function.
Action Threshold: Abnormal findings require immediate medical evaluation and potential discontinuation of therapy.
Symptom Monitoring
- Skin thinning
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Folliculitis
- Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
- Acneiform eruptions
- Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin)
- Perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth)
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Maceration of the skin (softening and breakdown)
- Secondary infection
- Skin atrophy (thinning of the skin)
- Striae (stretch marks)
- Miliaria (heat rash)
- Unusual weight gain
- Swelling in face/neck (moon face)
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Desonide is Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption from topical use is generally low.
Second Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption from topical use is generally low.
Third Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption from topical use is generally low. Consider potential for HPA axis suppression in the neonate if used extensively.
Lactation
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when Desonide is administered to a nursing woman. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent direct infant exposure.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with limited, short-term use. Potential for adverse effects if significant systemic absorption occurs in the mother or if applied directly to the infant's skin via breast contact.
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 least potent corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible. Not recommended for infants under 3 months of age.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically needed. However, geriatric patients may have thinner skin, which could increase susceptibility to local adverse effects such as skin atrophy, purpura, and telangiectasias. Use with caution and monitor for skin integrity.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid, making it suitable for use on sensitive areas such as the face, groin, axillae, and for pediatric patients.
- Despite its low potency, prolonged use, especially under occlusion or on large body surface areas, can lead to systemic absorption and adverse effects like HPA axis suppression.
- Patients should be instructed on proper application technique: apply a thin layer and rub in gently. Avoid excessive application.
- Do not use Desonide for rosacea or perioral dermatitis, as corticosteroids can exacerbate these conditions.
- Monitor for signs of skin atrophy, striae, and telangiectasias, particularly with long-term use or on thin skin areas.
- If no improvement is seen after 2-4 weeks, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Alternative Therapies
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for inflammatory skin conditions, especially on sensitive areas or for long-term use to avoid corticosteroid side effects.
- Emollients and moisturizers for barrier repair and symptomatic relief.
- Antihistamines (oral) for severe pruritus.
- Phototherapy for certain chronic dermatoses.
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely, typically $30 - $100+ per 59ml lotion
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Generally covered by most prescription drug plans, often as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 generic.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is 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 it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. 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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.