Desonide (Topical Application Route)

Brand Name:

Desonate, Desowen, LoKara, Tridesilon, Verdeso

Desonide topical is a corticosteroid used for the relief of redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This drug requires a prescription.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. 

Studies in children 3 months of age and older have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of desonide topical foam or gel. This drug should be used with caution due to its toxicity. Children may absorb large amounts through the skin, which can cause serious side effects. For the foam and gel forms, safety and efficacy have not been established in infants younger than 3 months of age. 

The safety and efficacy of desonide topical cream, lotion, and ointment have not been established in children and use is not recommended. Data on the relationship of age to the effects of desonide topical cream, ointment, or lotion in geriatric patients are still unavailable. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of desonide topical foam or gel. 

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. 

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. 

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription and nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Cushing's syndrome, Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, Intracranial hypertension, Infection of the skin at or near the place of application, or Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application.

To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. This drug should only be applied on the skin only. Using it on other areas or on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns is not recommended. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. 

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults and teenagers are advised to apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. Children 3 months of age and older are recommended should apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. 

Use and dose in children younger than 3 months of age must be determined by your healthcare professional. Adults with redness, itching, and swelling of the skin are advised to apply to the affected area of the skin two or three times per day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. 

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. 

Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Check with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse within a few days. 

The risk of having adrenal gland problems may be increased when taking increased doses of this drug for a prolonged time. Consult with your healthcare professional immediately if you have blurred vision, dizziness or fainting, a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability, or unusual tiredness or weakness. 

Stop using this drug and check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin. Make sure your healthcare professional knows that you are using desonide foam. 

You may need to stop using this drug several days before having surgery. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

• blistering
• burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• burning, itching, redness, skin rash
• swelling, or soreness at the application site
• flushing or redness of the skin
• irritation, itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• peeling of the skin
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin 
• especially when used on the face
• stinging and burning
• unusually warm skin
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising
• especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.