Desoximetasone 0.05% Cream 100gm
It is used to treat skin irritation.It is used to treat skin rashes.
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Pharmacologic Class
Corticosteroid, Topical
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Sep 1977
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desoximetasone is a strong medicine applied to the skin to reduce redness, swelling, and itching caused by skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.
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.
Do not apply the medication to the vagina.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the area being treated. In that case, do not wash your 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 instructed by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature.
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.
Do not apply the medication to the vagina.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the area being treated. In that case, do not wash your 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 instructed by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature.
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 your hands before and after applying the cream.
- Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin area(s) as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day.
- Gently rub it in until it disappears.
- Do not use more than the prescribed amount or apply it more often than directed.
- Do not use on the face, groin, or armpits unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other dressings unless your doctor tells you to, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment or if it worsens.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Crm 15gm
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Crm 60gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Cream 60gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Gel 60gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Gel 15gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Cream 15gm
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Cream 100gm
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Crm 60gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Cream 100gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Ointment 60gm
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Crm 15gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Ointment 100gm
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Ointment 15gm
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Ointment 60gm
- Desoximetasone 0.05% Cream 60gm
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Spray 100ml
- Desoximetasone 0.25% Ointment 100gm
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas two times daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
psoriasis:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas two times daily.
eczema:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas two times daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (use with caution, increased risk of systemic absorption)
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once or twice daily, for short periods only. Avoid use on large surface areas or under occlusive dressings. Increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas two times daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed for topical use.
Moderate:
No adjustment needed for topical use.
Severe:
No adjustment needed for topical use.
Dialysis:
No adjustment needed for topical use.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed for topical use.
Moderate:
No adjustment needed for topical use.
Severe:
No adjustment needed for topical use.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Desoximetasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that possesses anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. Its primary mechanism involves binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, leading to the translocation of the receptor-steroid complex into the nucleus. This complex then modulates gene expression by either activating or repressing the transcription of specific genes. This results in the inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins), thereby reducing the release of arachidonic acid. It also suppresses the migration of neutrophils and macrophages to the site of inflammation, reverses capillary permeability, and inhibits the release of various inflammatory mediators.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption; varies with skin integrity, site, and use of occlusive dressings. Up to 5% reported in some studies.
Tmax:
Not applicable for topical application to achieve systemic peak; local effect is primary.
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable for topical application; if absorbed systemically, widely distributed.
ProteinBinding:
High (to plasma proteins) if absorbed systemically.
CnssPenetration:
Limited (if absorbed systemically)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not well-defined for topical application; systemic half-life of absorbed drug is approximately 10 hours.
Clearance:
Not well-defined for topical application.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal and biliary (if absorbed systemically)
Unchanged:
Minimal
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Hours to days for noticeable anti-inflammatory effect.
PeakEffect:
Days to weeks of consistent use.
DurationOfAction:
Varies; effects persist as long as applied, with residual effects for a short 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: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a weak adrenal gland: severe stomach upset or vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or belly, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, unusual thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Skin changes: acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth.
Thinning of the skin.
Changes in vision.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people experience no side effects or only mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:
Local irritation at the application site: burning, itching, dryness, or other discomfort.
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a weak adrenal gland: severe stomach upset or vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or belly, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, unusual thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Skin changes: acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth.
Thinning of the skin.
Changes in vision.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people experience no side effects or only mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:
Local irritation at the application site: burning, itching, dryness, or other discomfort.
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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:
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation of the treated skin
- New or worsening skin infection
- Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, or stretch marks
- Changes in skin color
- Acne-like rash
- Excessive hair growth
- Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., unusual weight gain, swelling in ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, fatigue, muscle weakness, changes in mood, slow wound healing)
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 symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting 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 symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
When applying this medication to the diaper area, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body.
Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use.
Do not apply this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. Exercise caution when applying it to large areas of skin or near open wounds, and consult with your doctor as needed.
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. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
In children and teenagers, this medication may affect growth in some cases. Regular growth checks may be necessary, so consult with your doctor to monitor growth and development.
When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this age group.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication to your chest. Instead, consult with your doctor for guidance on safe use.
When applying this medication to the diaper area, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body.
Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use.
Do not apply this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. Exercise caution when applying it to large areas of skin or near open wounds, and consult with your doctor as needed.
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. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
In children and teenagers, this medication may affect growth in some cases. Regular growth checks may be necessary, so consult with your doctor to monitor growth and development.
When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this age group.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication to your chest. Instead, consult with your doctor for guidance on safe use.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use can lead to systemic absorption, resulting in symptoms of hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome), including: moon face, central obesity, buffalo hump, skin thinning, easy bruising, striae, muscle weakness, hypertension, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and adrenal suppression.
What to Do:
Discontinue the medication gradually under medical supervision. Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) or seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment (type, severity, location of dermatosis)
Rationale: To establish baseline for treatment efficacy and identify areas of concern.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Clinical response (reduction in inflammation, pruritus, erythema)
Frequency: Weekly or as clinically indicated
Target: Improvement in symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may require re-evaluation of diagnosis or treatment.
Local adverse reactions (e.g., skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis, burning, itching)
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, occlusive dressings, or in pediatric patients.
Target: Normal adrenal function, blood glucose levels
Action Threshold: Any signs of systemic absorption warrant immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation (e.g., ACTH stimulation test, plasma cortisol, urinary free cortisol).
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
- Weight gain (systemic)
- Moon face (systemic)
- Fatigue (systemic)
- Muscle weakness (systemic)
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. Systemic absorption is minimal but possible.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity (e.g., cleft palate, skeletal abnormalities) observed in animal studies with high systemic doses. Risk with topical use is considered low but not zero.
Second Trimester:
Risk of fetal growth restriction or HPA axis suppression with prolonged or high-dose systemic exposure. Risk with topical use is low.
Third Trimester:
Risk of fetal growth restriction or HPA axis suppression with prolonged or high-dose systemic exposure. Risk with topical use is low.
Lactation
Caution should be exercised when desoximetasone is administered to a nursing woman. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
Low risk, but monitor for potential adverse effects if significant systemic absorption occurs in the mother.
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 corticosteroid that is effective. Limit duration of treatment and 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 systemic absorption. Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desoximetasone 0.05% cream is a high-potency topical corticosteroid. Use it sparingly and for the shortest duration necessary to achieve control of symptoms.
- Avoid prolonged use, especially on the face, intertriginous areas (skin folds), or in children, due to increased risk of skin atrophy, striae, and systemic absorption.
- Occlusive dressings significantly increase systemic absorption and should generally be avoided unless specifically directed by a physician.
- Patients should be advised to report any signs of local irritation or systemic side effects.
- If no improvement is seen after 2 weeks, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Alternative Therapies
- Other topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol, betamethasone, triamcinolone, fluocinonide, hydrocortisone)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for eczema
- Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriene) for psoriasis
- Retinoids (e.g., tazarotene) for psoriasis
- Emollients and moisturizers for dry skin conditions
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$50 - $200 per 100gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or Tier 2 (generic), Tier 3 or 4 (brand)
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 is a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not 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 seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.