Desonide

Prescription

Brand names: Desonide

Dosage Form

Topical

Route

TOPICAL

Manufacturer

NorthStar Rx LLC

About This Medication

DESCRIPTION Desonide Cream, 0.05% contains desonide (Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione,11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]-,(11β,16α-)) a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primary synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Chemically, desonide, the active ingredient in Desonide Cream, 0.05%, is C 24 H 32 O 6 . It has the following structural formula: The molecular weight of desonide is 416.51. It is a white to off-white odorless powder which is soluble in methanol and practically insoluble in water. Each gram of Desonide Cream, 0.05% contains 0.5 milligram of desonide in a compatible vehicle buffered to the pH range of normal skin. It contains aluminum acetate basic, cetearyl alcohol/sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium cetearyl sulfate, glycerin, mineral oil, purified water, white petrolatum and white wax. It is preserved with methylparaben. Chemical Structure

Active Ingredients

Ingredient	Strength
Desonide	-

Indications & Usage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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.

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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.

Side Effects Overview

ADVERSE REACTIONS 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.

Contraindications

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

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics 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. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption. Studies performed with desonide cream, 0.05% indicate that it is in the low range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.

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External Resources

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Source: openfda

Last updated: 2026-03-19

Frequently Asked Questions

INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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.

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

Desonide is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

References & Data Sources

• DailyMed — Desonide drug label (National Library of Medicine)
• openFDA — Desonide label data (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
• RxNorm — RXCUI 349351 (NLM Normalized Drug Names)
• NDC Directory — Desonide (FDA National Drug Code)

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

Data sources: DailyMed (NLM), openFDA, MFDS