desonide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The action of desonide involves reducing inflammation by suppressing the immune system response that causes the inflammation. It acts by inhibiting the production of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that promote inflammation. By reducing inflammation, desonide helps to relieve the itching, redness, and swelling associated with skin conditions. 

desonide has a relatively low potency compared to other corticosteroids, meaning that it has a milder effect on the body. This makes it suitable for use on sensitive areas at skin such as the face, groin, and underarms. 

The spectrum of desonide includes a range of skin conditions such as: 

• Eczema: desonide can be used to treat atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema that causes itching and inflammation of the skin. 
• Psoriasis: desonide can help reduce the inflammation and scaling associated with psoriasis. 
• Dermatitis: desonide is an effective treatment option for contact dermatitis, a skin condition that develops due to exposure to irritants or allergens. 
• Other inflammatory skin conditions: desonide can be used to treat a range of other skin conditions that involve inflammation, such as seborrheic dermatitis and lichen planus. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

• Itching 
• Scaly skin 
• Pigmentation changes 
• Hyperglycemia 
• Headache 
• HPA suppression  
• Hypertension 
• Striae 
• Acneform lesions 
• Skin atrophy 
• Irritability 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

• Hypersensitivity: desonide should not be used in patients who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients in the medication. 
• Infection: desonide should not be used on infected skin, as it may worsen the infection or mask its symptoms. 
• Rosacea: desonide should not be used to treat rosacea (chronic skin condition that causes redness and inflammation). 
• Acne: desonide should not be used to treat acne, as it may worsen the condition. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: desonide should be used with caution in pregnant/ breastfeeding women, as there is a risk of the medication being absorbed into the bloodstream and affecting the developing fetus or nursing infant. 

Caution 

• Long-term use: Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, including desonide, may cause skin atrophy, telangiectasia (widening of blood vessels). It is main use desonide as directed by your physician and not to use it for longer than necessary. 
• Application site: desonide must be applied only to the affected site of the skin, and not to the face, groin, or underarms. It should also be avoided in areas with open wounds, as it may delay healing. 
• Interactions: desonide may interact with other medications, so it is key to inform your healthcare provider taking any other medications, including over-the-counter products, herbal remedies, or supplements. 
• Pediatric patients: desonide should be used with caution in children, as they may be more susceptible to systemic absorption and effects such as growth suppression. 
• Adrenal suppression: Prolonged use of desonide may cause adrenal suppression, a condition where the body’s adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. This can be especially concerning in patients who are using high doses or long-term therapy. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned. 

Lactation:   

Excreted into human milk is Not known. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

desonide is a synthetic glucocorticoid steroid that is used topically for skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Its pharmacological action is mainly anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and vasoconstrictive. 

desonide acts by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the skin cells, which results in the activation of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive pathways. This reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, leading to a decrease in inflammation and itching. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: Corticosteroids stabilize leukocyte lysosomal membranes, which prevents the release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes, inhibits macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas, reduces leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium, reduces capillary wall permeability and edema formation, decreases complement components, antagonizes histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates, and reduces fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The absorption of a substance through the skin is dependent on the nature of the skin at the site of application, and factors such as occlusion and inflammation may increase its absorption. 

Distribution 

The distribution of desonide may vary depending on various factors such as its chemical properties, route of administration, and the individual’s physiology. Once absorbed, desonide may be distributed to various tissues and organs through the bloodstream, where it may exert its effects. 

Metabolism 

Metabolism of substances generally occurs in the liver. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The main excretion process is urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Topical administration 

desonide is available in various formulations, including creams, ointments, lotions, and gels, and its application method may vary depending on the specific formulation. It is generally applied topically to the affected skin areas. 

Before applying desonide, the affected skin area should be cleaned and dried thoroughly. A thin layer of the medication should then be applied to the affected site, and gently rubbed in until it is absorbed into the skin. The medication must be applied as directed by a healthcare professional, and the duration of treatment may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. 

It is main use desonide exactly as prescribed and to avoid using it for longer than recommended. Overuse or prolonged use of desonide can lead to skin thinning, discoloration, and other adverse effects. desonide should also be avoided in areas with broken or infected skin, as it can increase the risk of infection. 

If there is no improvement or if the condition worsens after using desonide, a healthcare professional should be consulted. Additionally, it is key to discuss any potential interactions or adverse effects with a healthcare professional before using desonide. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: desonide 

Pronounced: [ DES-oh-nide] 

Why do we use desonide? 

desonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that is primarily used topically to treat for skin conditions. Some of the most common uses of desonide include: 

• Eczema: desonide can be used to reduce inflammation and itching associated with various forms of eczema, including atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. 
• Psoriasis: desonide can help to reduce redness, scaling, and inflammation associated with psoriasis. 
• Dermatitis: desonide can be used to treat various forms of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and other types of eczematous dermatitis. 
• Allergic reactions: desonide can be used to reduce inflammation and itching associated with allergic skin reactions, such as hives or insect bites. 
• Pruritus: desonide can also be used to treat pruritus (itching) associated with various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.