Brand names: Desonate, DesOwen, Verdeso
Drug class: Corticosteroids
ATC class: D07AB08
VA class: DE200
Chemical name: pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione,11, 21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]-,(11β,16α)-
Molecular formula: C₂₄H₃₂O₆
CAS number: 638-94-8

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 19, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

A synthetic corticosteroid.

Uses for Desonide

Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses

Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Generally most effective in acute or chronic dermatoses (e.g., seborrheic or atopic dermatitis, localized neurodermatitis, anogenital pruritus, psoriasis, late phase of allergic contact dermatitis, inflammatory phase of xerosis).

Topical therapy generally preferred over systemic therapy; fewer associated adverse systemic effects.

Topical therapy generally only controls manifestations of dermatoses; eliminate cause if possible.

Topical efficacy may be increased by using a higher concentration or occlusive dressing therapy. (See Administration with Occlusive Dressing under Dosage and Administration.)

Response may vary from one topical corticosteroid preparation to another.

Anti-inflammatory activity may vary considerably depending on the vehicle, drug concentration, site of application, disease, and individual patient.

Manufacturer states that gel should not be used for the treatment of diaper dermatitis.

Desonide foam is considered to have low potency.

Desonide cream, ointment, and lotion are considered to have low to medium potency.

Related/similar drugs

Rinvoq, Taltz, prednisone, hydroxyzine, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, methotrexate

Desonide Dosage and Administration

General

• Consider location of the lesion and the condition being treated when choosing a dosage form.

• Creams are suitable for most dermatoses, but ointments may also provide some occlusion and are usually used for the treatment of dry, scaly lesions.

• Lotions are probably best for treatment of weeping eruptions, especially in areas subject to chafing (e.g., axilla, foot, groin). Lotions, gels, and aerosols may be used on hairy areas, particularly the scalp.

• Formulation affects percutaneous penetration and subsequent activity; extemporaneous preparation or dilution of commercially available products with another vehicle may decrease effectiveness.

• Patients applying a topical corticosteroid to a large surface area and/or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis suppression by appropriate endocrine testing (e.g., ACTH stimulation, plasma cortisol, urinary free cortisol). (See Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Suppression and also Systemic Effects, under Cautions.)

Administration

Topical Administration

For dermatologic use only; avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes. Not for oral or intravaginal use.

Apply aerosol foams, creams, gels, lotions, and ointments topically to the skin or scalp.

The area of skin to be treated may be thoroughly cleansed before topical application to reduce the risk of infection; however, some clinicians believe that, unless an occlusive dressing is used, cleansing of the treated area is unnecessary and may be irritating.

Apply cream, gel, lotion, or ointment sparingly in a thin film and rub gently into the affected area.

After a favorable response is achieved, frequency of application or concentration (strength) may be decreased to the minimum necessary to maintain control and to avoid relapse; discontinue if possible.

Foam

Shake can; invert and dispense the smallest amount necessary to cover affected area with a thin layer.

Do not dispense directly onto the face; dispense in hands and then gently massage into affected area(s) of the face.

For areas other than the face, dispense directly onto the affected area(s).

Lotion

Shake well.

Administration with Occlusive Dressing

Occlusive dressings may be used for severe or resistant dermatoses (e.g., psoriasis). (See Occlusive Dressings under Cautions.)

Soak or wash the affected area to remove scales; apply a thin film of cream, lotion, or ointment; rub gently into the lesion; and apply another thin film. Cover affected area with a thin, pliable plastic film and seal it to adjacent normal skin with adhesive tape or hold in place with a gauze or elastic bandage.

If affected area is moist, incompletely seal the edges of the plastic film or puncture the film to allow excess moisture to escape. For added moisture in dry lesions, apply cream, ointment, or lotion and cover with a dampened cloth before the plastic film is applied or briefly soak the affected area in water before application of the drug and plastic film.

Thin polyethylene gloves may be used on the hands and fingers, plastic garment bags may be used on the trunk or buttocks, a tight shower cap may be used for the scalp, or whole-body suits may be used instead of plastic film to provide occlusion.

Frequency of occlusive dressing changes depends on the condition being treated; cleansing of the skin and reapplication of the corticosteroid are essential at each dressing change.

Occlusive dressing is usually left in place for 12–24 hours and therapy is repeated as needed. Although occlusive dressing may be left in place for 3–4 days at a time in resistant conditions, most clinicians recommend intermittent use of occlusive dressings for 12 hours daily to reduce the risk of adverse effects (particularly infection) and systemic absorption and for greater convenience.

The drug and an occlusive dressing may be used at night, and the drug or a bland emollient may be used without an occlusive dressing during the day.

In patients with extensive lesions, sequential occlusion of only one portion of the body at a time may be preferable to whole-body occlusion. (See Occlusive Dressings under Cautions.)

Dosage

Pediatric Patients

Administer the least amount of topical preparations that provide effective therapy. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses

Topical (Foam and Gel)

Children ≥3 months of age: Apply twice daily.

Discontinue when control is achieved; if improvement does not occur within 4 weeks, consider reassessment of the diagnosis.

Topical (Ointment)

Apply sparingly 2–3 times daily, according to the severity of the condition. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

Adults

Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses

Topical (Cream, Lotion, and Ointment)

Apply sparingly 2–3 times daily, according to the severity of the condition.

Discontinue when control is achieved; if improvement does not occur within 2 weeks, consider reassessment of the diagnosis.

Topical (Foam and Gel)

Apply twice daily.

Discontinue when control is achieved; if improvement does not occur within 4 weeks, consider reassessment of the diagnosis.

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses

Topical (Foam and Gel)

Children ≥3 months of age: Maximum 4 consecutive weeks.

Adults

Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses

Topical (Cream, Lotion, and Ointment)

Maximum 2 weeks.

Topical (Foam and Gel)

Maximum 4 consecutive weeks.

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

No specific dosage recommendations at this time.

Renal Impairment

No specific dosage recommendations at this time.

Geriatric Patients

Select dosage with caution usually starting at the low end of the dosage range, because of age-related decreased in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and concomitant disease and drug therapy.

Cautions for Desonide

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to desonide or any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Flammability

Foam is flammable; avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and immediately following application.

Sensitivity Reactions

Allergic contact dermatitis may manifest as failure to heal rather than irritation as occurs with other topical preparations that do not contain corticosteroids; confirm with diagnostic patch testing.

General Precautions

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Suppression

Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to reversibly suppress the HPA axis.

Perform periodic HPA-axis evaluation by appropriate testing (e.g., ACTH stimulation, morning plasma cortisol, urinary free cortisol ), especially in patients applying a topical corticosteroid to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion.

If HPA-axis suppression occurs, withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, and/or substitute a less potent corticosteroid.

HPA-axis function recovery generally is prompt and complete following drug discontinuance.

Rarely, glucocorticosteroid insufficiency may require systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Systemic Effects

Systemic absorption following topical administration may result in manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.

Adverse systemic effects may occur when corticosteroids are used on large areas of the body, for prolonged periods of time, with an occlusive dressing, and/or concurrently with other corticosteroid-containing preparations.

Infants and children may be more susceptible to adverse systemic effects. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

Local Effects

Possible adverse local reactions (e.g., burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria); may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings, especially with prolonged therapy.

Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may cause atrophy of the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue; these effects are most likely to occur (even with short-term use) in intertriginous (e.g., axilla, groin), flexor, and facial areas.

If irritation occurs, discontinue drug and institute appropriate therapy.

Skin Infection

If concurrent skin infection is present or develops, initiate appropriate anti-infective therapy. If infection does not respond promptly, discontinue topical corticosteroid therapy until the infection has been controlled.

When topical corticosteroids and topical anti-infectives are used concomitantly, consider that the corticosteroid may mask clinical signs of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections; prevent recognition of ineffectiveness of the anti-infective; or suppress hypersensitivity reactions to ingredients in the formulation. In addition, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with the anti-infective. (See Occlusive Dressings under Cautions.)

Some manufacturers state that topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in patients with tuberculosis of the skin, dermatologic fungal infections, and cutaneous or systemic viral infection (including vaccinia and varicella and herpes simplex of the eye or adjacent skin). However, most clinicians believe topical corticosteroids can be used with caution if the infection is treated.

Occlusive Dressings

Adverse systemic corticosteroid effects may occur with use of occlusive dressings on large areas of the body and for prolonged periods of time; monitor accordingly. (See Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Suppression and also Systemic Effects, under Cautions.)

Adverse local reactions may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings, especially with prolonged therapy. (See Local Effects under Cautions.)

Do not use occlusive dressings on weeping or exudative lesions.

Do not use occlusive dressings in patients with primary skin infection.

Remove occlusive dressings covering large areas if body temperature increases; thermal homeostasis may be impaired.

Use plastic occlusive material with care to avoid the risk of suffocation.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.

Lactation

Not known whether topical desonide is distributed into milk. Caution advised if topical desonide is used.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of desonide foam not established in children <3 months of age.

Safety and efficacy of gel not established in children <3 months of age.

Safety and efficacy of cream and lotion not established in children.

Some manufacturers state safety and efficacy of ointment not established in children.

Do not use gel to treat diaper dermatitis. Tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants should not be used on a child being treated with desonide in the diaper area, since they may constitute occlusive dressings.

Children are more susceptible to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA-axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome than mature individuals because of a greater skin surface area-to-body weight ratio, especially when topical corticosteroids are applied to >20% of body surface area. The risk of adrenal suppression appears to increase with decreasing age. (See Systemic Effects under Cautions.)

Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol concentrations, and lack of response to corticotropin (ACTH) stimulation.

Children also are at greater risk of glucocorticoid insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment.

Intracranial hypertension has occurred in children; manifestations include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.

Striae have been reported in children treated inappropriately with topical corticosteroids.

Topical corticosteroid therapy in children should be limited to the minimum amount necessary for therapeutic efficacy; chronic topical corticosteroid therapy may interfere with growth and development.

Common Adverse Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, telangiectasia, worsening of atopic dermatitis.

Drug Interactions

Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests

Desonide Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Topically applied desonide can be absorbed through normal intact skin.

Percutaneous penetration of corticosteroids following topical application to the skin varies among individuals and may be increased by occlusive dressings, high corticosteroid concentrations, and certain vehicles.

Only minimal amounts of topical corticosteroid reach the dermis and subsequently the systemic circulation after application to most normal skin areas; more absorption occurs from the scrotum, axilla, eyelid, face, and scalp than from the forearm, knee, elbow, palm, and sole.

Absorption is markedly increased by loss of the skin’s keratin layer and by inflammation and/or diseases of the epidermal barrier (e.g., psoriasis, eczema).

Distribution

Extent

Not known whether topical desonide is distributed into milk.

Elimination

Metabolism

Once absorbed through the skin, topically applied corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver.

Elimination Route

Topical corticosteroids and metabolites are excreted by the kidneys and, to a lesser extent, in bile.

Stability

Storage

Topical

Foam: 20–25°C; contents under pressure, do not puncture or incinerate. Flammable; avoid fire, flame, smoking, and/or exposure to >120°C.

Gel: 25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Cream, lotion, and ointment: 2–30°C; do not freeze.

Actions

• Precise mechanism of action for topical anti-inflammatory activity is unknown; therapeutic benefit in the management of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses mediated primarily through anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions.

• Anti-inflammatory effects may occur through induction of phospholipase A₂ inhibitory proteins (lipocortins); decreased arachidonic acid release from membrane phospholipids. Decreased arachidonic acid precursors may downregulate biosynthesis of potent inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes).

• Decreases inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes; inhibiting macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas; reducing leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium; reducing capillary wall permeability and edema formation; decreasing complement components; antagonizing histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates; reducing fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation; and possibly by other mechanisms as yet unknown.

Advice to Patients

• Importance of using only as directed, only for the disorder for which it was prescribed, and for no longer than prescribed; avoid contact with the eyes and other mucous membranes, and only apply externally as directed. (See Topical Administration under Dosage and Administration.)

• Importance of informing patients that treated areas of the skin should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by a clinician.

• Advise parents not to use gel on the underarm, groin, or in the diaper area of children.

• Importance of reporting any local adverse reactions, especially those occurring under occlusive bandage, to a clinician.

• Importance of informing parents of children not to use diapers or plastic pants on children being treated in the diaper area as these garments may act as occlusive dressings.

• Advise patient to discontinue medication when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks of treatment with cream, lotion, or ointment or within 4 weeks of treatment with foam or gel, contact clinician.

• Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, especially before surgeries.

• Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.

• Importance of advising patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Reload page with references included

Frequently asked questions

• What is Desonide cream used for?

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