Tridesilon 0.05% Cream 60gm
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
Aug 1978
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Desonide is a mild steroid cream used on the skin to reduce redness, swelling, and itching caused by various skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. It helps calm down the skin's immune response.
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.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the area being treated.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
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.
Avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature and do not freeze it.
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.
If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
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 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.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the area being treated.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
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.
Avoid applying the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature and do not freeze it.
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.
If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
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.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Wash your hands before and after applying the cream.
- Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin area and rub it in gently until it disappears.
- Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise cover the treated area unless directed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not use on the face, groin, or armpits unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as these areas are more prone to side effects.
- Do not use for longer than prescribed or on large areas of the body without consulting your doctor.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
eczema:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
dermatitis:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with extreme caution due to increased systemic absorption risk)
Infant:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily, for short durations and small areas. Increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression.
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times daily, for short durations and small areas. Increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected areas two or three times 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)
Confidence:
Medium
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Desonide is a low-potency corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are thought to act 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. Corticosteroids also possess vasoconstrictive properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not quantified (minimal systemic absorption)
Tmax:
Not applicable (topical application)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not quantified (minimal systemic absorption)
ProteinBinding:
Not quantified (systemically absorbed corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins)
CnssPenetration:
Limited (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not well-defined for topical application
Clearance:
Not well-defined for topical application
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (for systemically absorbed drug)
Unchanged:
Not quantified
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours of application
PeakEffect:
Within days of consistent application
DurationOfAction:
Varies with frequency of application 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 (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. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor 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, contact your doctor for advice:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, 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 (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. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor 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, contact your doctor for advice:
Burning or stinging
Dry skin
* Signs of a common cold
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, 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 the skin condition or no improvement after a few days of use.
- Signs of skin infection (e.g., pus, increased redness, warmth, fever).
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation at the application site.
- Development of new skin problems like thinning skin, stretch marks, or acne-like breakouts.
- Signs of systemic absorption, especially in children (e.g., unusual weight gain, 'moon face', fatigue, slow wound healing, delayed growth).
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.
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 combination with your other medications and health issues. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage 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.
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 combination with your other medications and health issues. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage 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. 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, so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.
If the patient is a child, use this medication with caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in children. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss this further.
If you are pregnant, plan 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 thoroughly 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, so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.
If the patient is a child, use this medication with caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in children. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss this further.
If you are pregnant, plan 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 thoroughly before breastfeeding your child.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use can lead to systemic effects due to absorption through the skin.
- Symptoms may include Cushing's syndrome (e.g., moon face, central obesity, thin skin, easy bruising), hyperglycemia, 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 for poison control.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment
Rationale: To establish baseline severity and type of dermatosis.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Area of involvement
Rationale: To guide appropriate amount of medication and assess risk of systemic absorption.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Efficacy (reduction in inflammation, pruritus)
Frequency: Weekly or as clinically indicated
Target: Improvement in symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening of symptoms may require re-evaluation or alternative therapy.
Local adverse reactions (e.g., skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis)
Frequency: At each follow-up visit
Target: Absence of new or worsening local side effects
Action Threshold: Development of significant local side effects may require discontinuation or change in therapy.
Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged use, large surface area application, or in pediatric patients
Target: Absence of systemic effects
Action Threshold: Any signs of systemic absorption warrant immediate medical evaluation and potential discontinuation.
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
- Unusual weight gain
- Moon face
- Fatigue
- Slow wound healing
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Desonide 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 teratogenic effects, though systemic absorption from topical use is minimal.
Second Trimester:
Minimal systemic absorption, but use with caution.
Third Trimester:
Minimal systemic absorption, but use with caution.
Lactation
Use with caution. 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 with proper application, but potential for systemic effects if significant absorption occurs.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Prolonged use should be avoided. Not recommended for infants under 3 months.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are necessary. However, geriatric patients may have thinner skin, which could potentially increase the risk of local adverse effects such as skin atrophy or purpura.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Desonide is considered a low-potency topical corticosteroid, making it suitable for use on sensitive areas like the face, groin, and axillae, and for pediatric patients, when a corticosteroid is indicated.
- Educate patients on the 'thin layer' application technique to minimize systemic absorption and local side effects.
- Avoid prolonged continuous use, especially on the face, to prevent common corticosteroid-induced side effects such as skin atrophy, telangiectasias, and perioral dermatitis.
- If no improvement is seen after 2-4 weeks, the diagnosis and treatment plan should be re-evaluated.
- Patients should be advised not to use occlusive dressings unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional, as occlusion significantly increases absorption.
Alternative Therapies
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for eczema
- Emollients and moisturizers for dry skin conditions
- Antihistamines for pruritus (oral or topical, if appropriate)
- Phototherapy for certain chronic dermatoses
- Crisaborole ointment (Eucrisa) for atopic dermatitis
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$20 - $60 per 60gm tube (generic)
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 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.