pharmacopeia
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/api/v1/drug/desonide

Mechanism of action

Sourced from openFDA

Mechanism-of-action classes: Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists; Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors.

Corticosteroid Hormone ReceptorGlucocorticoid ReceptorLipoxygenase

Indications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Desonide cream, 0.05% is a low potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses. It should not be used for longer than two weeks unless directed by a physician.

Contraindications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Desonide cream, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.contraindicated

Dosage & administration

Sourced from openFDA

Desonide cream, 0.05% should be applied to the affected area as a thin film two to four times daily depending on the severity of the condition. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within two weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Desonide cream, 0.05% should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Adverse reactions

Sourced from openFDA

In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of desonide cream, 0.05% was approximately 1%. The adverse reactions for desonide cream, 0.05% were pruritus, pain, folliculitis, rash, peripheral edema, pustular rash, sweating, erythema, irritation, and burning. Laboratory abnormalities were found in 3% of the patients. These were hyperglycemia (2%) and liver function abnormality (1%). The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, burning and hypopigmentation.

Use in specific populations

Sourced from openFDA

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with desonide cream, 0.05%. It is also not known whether desonide cream, 0.05% can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Desonide cream, 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pharmacokinetics

Sourced from openFDA
Metabolism
The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration.

Overdosage

Sourced from openFDA

Topically applied desonide cream, 0.05% can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Approval history

Sourced from openFDA
  • Jan 4, 1972NDANDA017010Padagis Us
  • Nov 1, 1974NDANDA017426Padagis Us
  • Dec 14, 1984NDANDA019048Galderma Labs Lp
  • Jan 24, 1992ANDAANDA072354Galderma Labs Lp
  • Jun 30, 1992ANDAANDA073548Sun Pharma Canada
  • Sep 28, 1992ANDAANDA074027Cosette
  • Aug 3, 1994ANDAANDA074254Sun Pharma Canada
  • Oct 31, 2014ANDAANDA202161Taro

FDA shortages

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Reference statistics from the openFDA drug-shortage dataset. For a live view, consult the FDA database directly. Not clinical guidance.

  • Desowen, Lotion, .5 mg/1 mL (NDC 0472-0803-02)To be discontinued
    Sponsor: Actavis Pharma, Inc.
    Updated
  • Desowen, Lotion, .5 mg/1 mL (NDC 0472-0803-04)To be discontinued
    Sponsor: Actavis Pharma, Inc.
    Updated

FAERS reports

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Reference statistics only. FAERS reports are voluntarily submitted and are not incidence rates, safety signals, or causal evidence. Counts reflect reporting volume — how often a reaction was reported, not how often it occurs. For decision-grade use, consult openFDA and the FAERS Public Dashboard directly.
4,822 total reports matchedLatest report Share = reports listing the reaction ÷ total matched reports. Rows can sum to >100% because a single report often lists multiple reactions.
  1. 1Drug Ineffective1,16124%
  2. 2Macular Degeneration78016%
  3. 3Off Label Use4098.5%
  4. 4Pain3848.0%
  5. 5Nausea3717.7%
  6. 6Headache3206.6%
  7. 7Rash3136.5%
  8. 8Pruritus3106.4%
  9. 9Erythema3086.4%
  10. 10Pyrexia3016.2%
  11. 11Psoriasis2805.8%
  12. 12Malaise2795.8%
  13. 13Weight Decreased2765.7%
  14. 14Therapeutic Product Effect Incomplete2635.5%
  15. 15Abdominal Pain2234.6%

Literature

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Recent PubMed references pinned to Desonide as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Clinical trials

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The 10 most recently updated of 13 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Desonide as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

Frequently asked questions

How does Desonide work?
Mechanism-of-action classes: Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists; Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors.
What is Desonide used for?
According to FDA labeling, Desonide carries indications including: Desonide cream, 0.05% is a low potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses. It should not be used for longer than two weeks unless directed by a physician.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
What class of drug is Desonide?
Desonide is classified as Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II), Corticosteroids, plain, Corticosteroid, Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists, Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists, Lipoxygenase Inhibitors, Antipruritic Activity, Decreased Immunologically Active Molecule Activity, Decreased Protein Synthesis, Vasoconstriction.
What are the brand names for Desonide?
Desonide is marketed under brand names including Desowen, Desrx, Lokara, Tridesilon, Verdeso.
What are the contraindications for Desonide?
Desonide labeling lists contraindications including: Desonide cream, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
Note. Data for desonide is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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