Desoximetasone 0.25% Cream 100gm
It is used to treat skin irritation.It is used to treat skin rashes.
Drug Class
Corticosteroid, Topical
Pharmacologic Class
Adrenocorticoid, Synthetic; Glucocorticoid
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jun 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 works by calming down the immune response in the skin.
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. Do not apply it to the vagina.
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.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. 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 ask about any 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 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 one.
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. Do not apply it to the vagina.
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.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. 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 ask about any 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 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 one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Wash hands before and after applying the cream.
- Apply a thin layer only to the affected skin areas, as directed by your doctor.
- Do not use more than the prescribed amount or for longer than recommended.
- Avoid applying to the face, groin, or armpits unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as these areas are more sensitive.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or tight dressings unless your doctor tells you to, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
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.
eczema:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (use with caution, increased risk of systemic effects)
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once or twice daily. Use with caution, increased risk of systemic effects (HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, intracranial hypertension). Limit duration of therapy and amount used.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas twice 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
Desoximetasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that possesses anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. Its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to involve 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:
Minimal systemic absorption; varies with vehicle, skin integrity, and use of occlusive dressings. Increased absorption with inflamed/damaged skin.
Tmax:
Not applicable for topical systemic absorption; peak systemic levels are generally very low and variable.
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical administration).
Distribution:
Vd:
Not available (primarily local action)
ProteinBinding:
Not available (primarily local action, but systemically absorbed corticosteroids are highly protein bound)
CnssPenetration:
Limited (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not precisely determined for topical application due to minimal systemic absorption; systemically absorbed corticosteroids have variable half-lives.
Clearance:
Not precisely determined for topical application.
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal excretion of metabolites, with some biliary excretion.
Unchanged:
Minimal
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours to days for symptomatic relief.
PeakEffect:
Days to weeks of consistent use for maximal therapeutic effect.
DurationOfAction:
Varies with application frequency and individual response; effects persist for hours after application.
Confidence:
Medium
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 significant side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Burning, itching, dryness, or other irritation at the site 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 significant side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Burning, itching, dryness, or other irritation at the site 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:
- Worsening of your skin condition or new skin problems (e.g., severe irritation, burning, itching, redness, pus, signs of infection).
- Skin thinning, stretch marks, or changes in skin color where the cream is applied.
- Unusual fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting (signs of too much medicine absorbed into the body).
- Increased thirst or urination (signs of high blood sugar).
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 to this medication, its components, or other substances, including foods and drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, disclose all of your current medications, including:
+ Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
+ Natural products
+ Vitamins
* Any existing health problems that may affect your ability to take this medication safely.
Remember to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, including starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any drug. This will help you avoid potential interactions and ensure the safe use of this medication.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have to this medication, its components, or other substances, including foods and drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, disclose all of your current medications, including:
+ Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
+ Natural products
+ Vitamins
* Any existing health problems that may affect your ability to take this medication safely.
Remember to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, including starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any drug. This will help you avoid potential interactions and ensure the safe use of this 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 any concerns 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 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 benefits and risks of using this medication for both you and your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication to your chest, and 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 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 any concerns 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 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 benefits and risks of using this medication for both you and your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication to your chest, and consult with your doctor for guidance on safe use.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use can lead to systemic effects such as Cushing's syndrome (e.g., moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity, thin skin, easy bruising), hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
What to Do:
Discontinue the medication gradually under medical supervision. Symptomatic and supportive treatment. 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 guide treatment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Clinical response of dermatosis
Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated (e.g., weekly to bi-weekly initially, then less frequently).
Target: Reduction in erythema, pruritus, scaling, and inflammation.
Action Threshold: If no improvement or worsening, re-evaluate diagnosis and treatment. If improvement, consider tapering or discontinuation.
Signs of local adverse reactions (e.g., atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged use or on sensitive skin areas.
Target: Absence of adverse reactions.
Action Threshold: If present, reduce frequency, switch to lower potency, or discontinue.
Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, HPA axis suppression)
Frequency: Rarely needed for typical use; consider if large body surface area, prolonged use, or occlusive dressings, especially in children.
Target: Normal cortisol levels, absence of systemic symptoms.
Action Threshold: If suspected, perform ACTH stimulation test or plasma cortisol levels. Discontinue or gradually withdraw if HPA axis suppression occurs.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening of skin condition
- New skin irritation, burning, itching, or redness
- Thinning of skin (atrophy)
- Stretch marks (striae)
- Spider veins (telangiectasias)
- Acne-like eruptions (folliculitis)
- Increased hair growth (hypertrichosis)
- Changes in skin color (hypopigmentation)
- Signs of infection (pus, fever)
- Unusual fatigue or weakness (potential HPA axis suppression)
- Increased thirst or urination (potential hyperglycemia)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Category C. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects with corticosteroids.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenic effects, though systemic absorption from topical use is minimal.
Second Trimester:
Risk generally considered lower than first trimester, but still use with caution.
Third Trimester:
Risk generally considered lower 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. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with proper use due to minimal systemic absorption, but monitor infant for potential adverse effects (e.g., growth suppression).
Pediatric Use
Children are more susceptible to systemic toxicity from topical corticosteroids due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio and immature skin barrier. HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported. Limit duration of therapy and amount used. Avoid occlusive dressings. Monitor growth and development.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments are required. Use with caution in patients with thin or fragile skin, as they may be more prone to local adverse effects like skin atrophy.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desoximetasone 0.25% cream is a high-potency topical corticosteroid. Use it judiciously and for the shortest duration possible to achieve control.
- Avoid prolonged use on the face, groin, or axillae due to increased risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasias, and striae.
- Do not use for rosacea or perioral dermatitis, as it can worsen these conditions.
- Patients should be instructed on the proper application technique: apply a thin film, rub in gently, and wash hands after use.
- If no improvement is seen after 2 weeks, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Tapering may be necessary after prolonged use to prevent rebound flares of the dermatosis.
Alternative Therapies
- Other topical corticosteroids of varying potencies (e.g., clobetasol, betamethasone, triamcinolone, hydrocortisone)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for steroid-sparing therapy
- Topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors (e.g., crisaborole)
- Systemic therapies (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine, biologics) for severe, widespread conditions
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely, typically $50-$200+ per 100gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1-3 (generic often Tier 1-2, brand Tier 2-3)
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 emergency 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.