Desoximetasone Drug Information

Desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05%, desoximetasone cream USP, 0.25%, and desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05% are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Apply a thin film of desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05%, desoximetasone cream USP, 0.25%, or desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05% to the affected skin areas twice daily. Rub in gently.

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. In controlled clinical studies the incidence of adverse reactions were low (0.8%) for desoximetasone cream USP, 0.25%, and included burning, folliculitis, and folliculo-pustular lesions.

The incidence of adverse reactions were also 0.8% for desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05% and included pruritus, erythema, vesiculation, and burning sensation. The incidence of adverse reactions for desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05% was 0.3% with one subject reporting stinging and burning at the site of application.

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. Desoximetasone has been shown to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice, rats, and rabbits when given by subcutaneous or dermal routes of administration in doses 3 to 30 times the human dose of desoximetasone cream USP, 0.25% and 15 to 150 times the human dose of desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05%, or desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05%. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids.

Therefore, desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05%, desoximetasone cream USP, 0.25%, or desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05%, should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

Pediatric Use Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation.

Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients.

Desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05%, desoximetasone cream USP, 0.25%, and desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05% are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).