Desonate

Desonate

Generic Name: desonide topical (DES oh nide)

Brand Names: Delonide, Desonate, DesOwen, DesOwen 2 oz, DesOwen 4 oz, LoKara, Tridesilon, Verdeso

What is Desonate?

Desonate is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Desonate is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Desonate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Desonate

Use Desonate exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use Desonate in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Desonate can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not use Desonate on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Desonate over a long treatment period.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Before using Desonate

Do not use Desonate if you are allergic to desonide. Before using Desonate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.

FDA pregnancy category C. Desonate may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether desonide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use Desonate on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Desonate over a long treatment period.

See also: Desonate pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I use Desonate?

Use Desonate exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.

Wash your hands before and after using Desonate, unless you are using the medication to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not use Desonate over a large area of skin.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Desonate can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection. It is important to use Desonate regularly to get the most benefit.

To be sure Desonate is not causing harmful effects with long-term use, you may need blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store Desonate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of desonide is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Desonate?

Desonate should not be used to treat any skin condition your doctor has not prescribed it for.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use Desonate on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.

Desonate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Desonate: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing Desonate through your skin, such as:

blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

mood changes;

sleep problems (insomnia);

weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

muscle weakness, feeling tired.

Less serious Desonate side effects may include:

mild skin itching, redness, burning, or peeling;

dryness or scaly skin;

thinning or softening of your skin;

skin rash or irritation around your mouth;

swollen hair follicles;

changes in color of treated skin;

blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or

stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Desonate side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Desonate?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Desonate. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Desonate resources

Desonate Side Effects (in More Detail)

Desonate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Desonate Drug Interactions

Desonate Support Group

0 Reviews for Desonate - Add your own review/rating

Desonate Prescribing Information (FDA)

Desonate Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Desonate Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

DesOwen Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

DesOwen Cream Kit Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Desowen Prescribing Information (FDA)

LoKara Lotion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

LoKara Prescribing Information (FDA)

Verdeso Prescribing Information (FDA)

Verdeso Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Desonate with other medications

Atopic Dermatitis

Dermatitis

Eczema

Psoriasis

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Desonate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.