Desowen

Uses

Desowen gel is used for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients 3 months of age and older.

Desowen is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Dermatosis, Ocular Inflammation, Mild Atopic dermatitis, Moderate Atopic dermatitis

How Desowen works

Like other topical corticosteroids, desonide has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties. The drug binds to cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors. This complex migrates to the nucleus and binds to genetic elements on the DNA. This activates and represses various genes. However corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.

Dosage

Desowen dosage

Topical/Cutaneous-Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses:

• Adult: As 0.05% cream, oint, or lotion: Apply sparingly onto the affected areas 2-4 times daily until optimal response is achieved. Max duration of therapy: 8 wk.
• Child: ≥ 2 yr Same as adult dose.

Atopic dermatitis:

• Adult: As 0.05% foam or gel: Apply to affected area(s) bid. Max duration of therapy: 4 wk.
• Child: ≥3 mth Same as adult dose.

Side Effects

The most common local side effects are burning, rash and pruritus at application site. The following additional local side effects have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids. They may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings, especially with higher potency corticosteroids: folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria.

Precaution

Monitor for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression thru ACTH stimulation test, plasma cortisol test and urinary free cortisol test; signs and symptoms of bacterial or fungal infection.

Interaction

Enhanced effect with other topical corticosteroids.

Food Interaction

Elimination Route

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Desowen gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Desowen gel is administered to a nursing woman.

Contraindication

Desowen gel is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

Special Warning

Pediatric use: Safety and effectiveness of Desowen gel in pediatric patients less than 3 months of age have not been evaluated, and therefore its use in this age group is not recommended.

Acute Overdose

Topically applied Desowen gel can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool & dry place. Protect from light.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Desowen