Desoximetasone 0.05% Cream 15gm
It is used to treat skin irritation.It is used to treat skin rashes.
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Pharmacologic Class
Synthetic Adrenocorticosteroid
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Aug 1977
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desoximetasone cream is a strong medicine applied to the skin to reduce redness, swelling, and itching caused by certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It works by calming down the body's inflammatory response in the skin.
How to Use This Medicine
Using Your Medication Correctly
To get the most benefit from your medication, use it exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Carefully read all the information provided with your medication 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 your skin. Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause irritation or burning. Do not apply the medication to the vagina.
Before applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly. If the area being treated 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 to do so by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep all medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. When your medication is no longer needed or has expired, dispose of it properly. Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication, and ask about any local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you forget to apply a dose of your medication, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular application schedule. Do not apply two doses at once or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
To get the most benefit from your medication, use it exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Carefully read all the information provided with your medication 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 your skin. Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause irritation or burning. Do not apply the medication to the vagina.
Before applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly. If the area being treated 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 to do so by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep all medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. When your medication is no longer needed or has expired, dispose of it properly. Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication, and ask about any local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you forget to apply a dose of your medication, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular application schedule. Do not apply two doses at once 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, gently rubbing it in until it disappears.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless directed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Avoid applying the cream to the face, groin, or armpits unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
- Do not use this cream for longer than prescribed, typically no more than 4 weeks.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not use on broken or infected skin without consulting your doctor.
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 twice daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
psoriasis:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily. Treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended.
atopicDermatitis:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily. Treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (use with extreme caution due to increased systemic absorption risk)
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily. Use with caution; systemic absorption is higher in children due to larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Limit duration of therapy and amount applied.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Dialysis:
No specific considerations (minimal systemic absorption)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Desoximetasone is a synthetic corticosteroid. Corticosteroids diffuse across cell membranes and bind to specific cytoplasmic receptors. These complexes then enter the nucleus, bind to DNA (chromatin), and stimulate the transcription of messenger RNA (mRNA) and subsequent protein synthesis of various enzymes, which are ultimately responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. They inhibit the accumulation of inflammatory cells, including macrophages and leukocytes, at sites of inflammation. They also inhibit phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme release, and synthesis/release of chemical mediators of inflammation. Topical corticosteroids exert anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Varies (generally low systemic absorption; increased by occlusion, inflammation, or other diseases of the skin)
Tmax:
Not precisely quantified for topical application due to variable absorption
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical)
Distribution:
Vd:
Not precisely quantified for topical application
ProteinBinding:
Varies (systemically absorbed corticosteroids are extensively bound to plasma proteins, primarily transcortin and albumin)
CnssPenetration:
Limited (systemic absorption is minimal)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not precisely quantified for topical application
Clearance:
Not precisely quantified for topical application
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (if systemically absorbed)
Unchanged:
Not precisely quantified
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Hours to days (for anti-inflammatory effects)
PeakEffect:
Days to weeks (with consistent application)
DurationOfAction:
Varies (depends on frequency of application and severity of condition)
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 medical attention immediately:
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 a weak adrenal gland, including:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling extremely tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
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
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Thinning of the skin
Changes in eyesight
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, and many have no side effects or only minor ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Burning, itching, dryness, or other irritation where the medication was applied
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 medical attention immediately:
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 a weak adrenal gland, including:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling extremely tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
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
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Thinning of the skin
Changes in eyesight
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, and many have no side effects or only minor ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Burning, itching, dryness, or other irritation where the medication was applied
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:
- Increased redness, itching, or irritation where the cream is applied
- Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, or stretch marks
- Acne-like breakouts or increased hair growth in the treated area
- Signs of skin infection (e.g., pus, spreading redness, fever)
- Unusual fatigue, weakness, nausea, or dizziness (signs of too much medicine absorbed into the body, especially with long-term 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 symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, 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. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication.
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) drugs, 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. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication.
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 drug 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 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. 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.
When using this medication in children, it is crucial to 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 benefits and risks of using this medication for both you and your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication to your chest. Instead, consult with your doctor for guidance.
When applying this medication to the diaper area, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of drug 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 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. 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.
When using this medication in children, it is crucial to 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 benefits and risks of using this medication for both you and your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication to your chest. Instead, consult with your doctor for guidance.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Cushing's syndrome (moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Glucosuria (sugar in urine)
- Adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, weakness, nausea, hypotension) upon abrupt withdrawal after prolonged, extensive use
What to Do:
Topical overdose is rare but can occur with prolonged or extensive use, leading to systemic effects. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Gradual withdrawal of the drug may be necessary if HPA axis suppression occurs. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) for advice.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment
Rationale: To establish baseline severity of dermatosis and identify areas for treatment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Efficacy (reduction in inflammation, pruritus)
Frequency: Regularly during treatment (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly)
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., atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis)
Frequency: Regularly during treatment
Target: Absence of or minimal adverse effects
Action Threshold: Presence of significant local adverse effects may require discontinuation or change in therapy.
Signs of HPA axis suppression (e.g., fatigue, weakness, nausea, hypotension) - especially with prolonged use, large surface areas, or occlusion
Frequency: Periodically, if risk factors present
Target: Normal HPA axis function
Action Threshold: Symptoms or signs of HPA axis suppression warrant immediate medical evaluation and potential discontinuation/tapering.
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
- Fatigue (systemic)
- Weakness (systemic)
- Nausea (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.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenic effects, though systemic absorption from topical use is generally low.
Second Trimester:
Generally considered safer than first trimester, but still use with caution.
Third Trimester:
Generally considered safer than first trimester, but still use with caution.
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. If used, avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with proper use, but potential for systemic effects in infant if significant absorption occurs or if applied to breast.
Pediatric Use
Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic adverse effects (e.g., HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, intracranial hypertension) than adults. Use the least potent corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible. Not recommended for use in infants under 3 months of age.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments are typically needed. However, elderly patients may have thinner skin, which could increase the risk of local adverse effects like skin atrophy or purpura. Monitor for these effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desoximetasone 0.05% cream is a high-potency topical corticosteroid. Use it judiciously and for the shortest duration necessary to achieve control of symptoms.
- Educate patients on proper application technique: thin layer, gentle rub, no occlusion unless directed.
- Warn patients about potential for skin atrophy, especially on the face, intertriginous areas, or with prolonged use.
- Consider step-down therapy to a lower potency corticosteroid or intermittent use once control is achieved to minimize side effects.
- Systemic absorption, though generally low, can be significant with extensive use, prolonged therapy, occlusion, or application to damaged skin, especially in children.
Alternative Therapies
- Other topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol, betamethasone, triamcinolone, fluocinonide)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for atopic dermatitis
- Emollients and moisturizers
- Phototherapy
- Systemic immunomodulators (for severe cases)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Check current per 15gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or 2 (for 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 seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.