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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:

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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