Desonide: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Topical/Cutaneous
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Adult: For the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations: As 0.05% cream, ointment, or lotion: Apply thinly onto the affected areas 2-3 times daily (lotion) or 2-4 times daily (cream, ointment) depending on the severity of skin condition. Discontinue therapy once control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed. Dosage and treatment recommendations may vary among countries and individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).

Topical/Cutaneous
Atopic dermatitis

Adult: For the treatment of mild to moderate cases: As 0.05% foam or gel: Apply thinly to affected areas bid until symptoms resolve. If no improvement is seen within 4 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed. Max treatment duration: 4 weeks. Dosage and treatment recommendations may vary among countries and individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: ≥3 months Same as adult dose.

Special Precautions

Not recommended for use in the treatment of diaper dermatitis. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Hypercortisolism or HPA axis suppression (particularly at high doses for prolonged periods or in younger children), manifestations of Cushing syndrome, hyperglycaemia, or glycosuria; Kaposi sarcoma (prolonged use); growth retardation, intracranial hypertension (in children); local skin reactions including skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection miliaria (when used long-term or with occlusive); increased risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma.
Cardiac disorders: Increased blood pressure.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Irritability.
Hepatobiliary disorders: Abnormal liver function.
Infections and infestations: Viral infection.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Cough, asthma, pharyngitis, URTI.

Pregnancy Category (US FDA)

Topical: C

Patient Counseling Information

Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Do not apply on open wounds and large surface areas. Avoid use with occlusive dressing. Do not use on the underarm or groin areas of children.

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor for HPA axis suppression (e.g. ACTH stimulation test, morning plasma cortisol test, and urinary free cortisol test). Monitor for signs and symptoms of bacterial or fungal infection; ocular symptoms.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Desonide is a synthetic topical corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The exact mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity is unclear; however, it may depress the biosynthesis of endogenous chemical mediators of inflammation (kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes, prostaglandins) through the induction of phospholipase A₂ inhibitory proteins (collectively called lipocortins) and sequential inhibition of the release of arachidonic acid.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Absorbed from normal intact skin; increased percutaneous absorption in occluded or inflamed skin.
Metabolism: Metabolised primarily in the liver.
Excretion: Mainly via urine; bile.

Chemical Structure

Storage

Gel: Store between 15-30°C. Foam: Store between 15-30°C. Protect from excessive heat, fire or flames. Storage recommendations may vary among individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).

MIMS Class

Topical Corticosteroids

ATC Classification

D07AB08 - desonide ; Belongs to the class of moderately potent (group II) corticosteroids. Used in the treatment of dermatological diseases.

References

Anon. Desonide. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Anon. Desonide. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Buckingham R (ed). Desonide. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Desonide Cream or Ointment (Taro Pharmaceuticals, U.S.A., Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Desonide Gel (KMM Pharmaceuticals, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Desonide Lotion (Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Desonide. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 31/01/2024.

Desowen 0.05% (500 mcg/g) (Galderma Philippines Inc.). MIMS Philippines. http://www.mims.com/philippines. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Ezenide Lotion 0.05% w/w (Hoe Pharmaceuticals Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Verdeso Aerosol, Foam (Almirall, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 13/11/2023.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Desonide from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com