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Desonide


Pronunciation

(DES oh nide)


U.S. Brand Names

DesOwen®; LoKara™; Tridesilon®


Generic Available

Yes


Canadian Brand Names

Desocort®; PMS-Desonide


Use

Adjunctive therapy for inflammation in acute and chronic corticosteroid responsive dermatosis (low potency corticosteroid)


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to desonide or any component of the formulation; fungal infections, tuberculosis of skin, herpes simplex


Warnings/Precautions

Use with caution in patients with impaired circulation, skin infections


Adverse Reactions

<1%: Itching; dry skin; folliculitis; hypertrichosis; acneiform eruptions; hypopigmentation; perioral dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; skin maceration; skin atrophy; striae; local burning, irritation, miliaria; secondary infection


Overdosage/Toxicology

Symptoms of overdose include moon face, central obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, increased susceptibility to infection, electrolyte and fluid imbalance, psychosis, hallucinations. When consumed in excessive quantities, systemic hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur; in those cases discontinuation and withdrawal of the corticosteroid should be done judiciously.


Drug Interactions

No data reported


Mechanism of Action

Stimulates the synthesis of enzymes needed to decrease inflammation, suppress mitotic activity, and cause vasoconstriction


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: ~7 days

Absorption: Extensive from scalp, face, axilla, and scrotum; adequate through epidermis on appendages; may be increased with occlusion or addition of penetrants (eg, urea, DMSO)

Metabolism: Hepatic

Excretion: Primarily urine


Dosage

Corticosteroid responsive dermatoses: Topical: Apply 2-4 times/day sparingly. Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.


Administration

Do not use on open wounds; apply sparingly to occlusive dressings


Patient Education

A thin film of cream or ointment is effective; do not overuse. Rub in lightly. Do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on children being treated in the diaper area. Use only as prescribed and for no longer than the period prescribed. Avoid contact with eyes; notify physician if condition being treated persists or worsens. Pregnancy precaution: Inform prescriber if you are pregnant.


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported


Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported


Dosage Forms

Cream, topical: 0.05% (15 g, 60 g)

DesOwen®: 0.05% (15 g, 60 g, 90 g)

Tridesilon®: 0.05% (15 g)

Lotion, topical (DesOwen®, LoKara™): 0.05% (60 mL, 120 mL)

Ointment, topical: 0.05% (15 g, 60 g)

DesOwen®: 0.05% (15 g, 60 g)

Tridesilon®: 0.05% (15 g)


International Brand Names

Apolar® (FI, ID, NO); Dermanide® (ID); Desocort® (CA); Desolex® (ID); Desonida® (CO); Desonol® (BR); Desoplus® (AR); Desowen® (AR, AU, BR, CL, IN, MX, NZ, SG); Locapred® (CH, FR); Locatop® (CH, FR, PL); Maxiderm® (EC); PMS-Desonide (CA); Prenacid® (IT, RO, RU); Reticus® (IT); Sterades® (IT); Sterax® (BE, CL, LU); Steronide® (BR); Tresilen® (CO); Tridésonit® (FR); Zotinar® (PT)


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