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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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