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Introduction About DESOWEN LOTION
DESOWEN LOTION contains Desonide which belongs to a group of medicines called Topical Corticosteroids. DESOWEN LOTION is used to relieve inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatosis.
Along with this management, your doctor might advise you to take a urinary-free cortisol and ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test to evaluate HPA axis suppression (a condition that causes poor body defence against infection) especially in children to manage its effect in the body.
Before applying DESOWEN LOTION, inform your doctor if you are allergic to Desonide or any other ingredients in the medicine, and or have concomitant skin infections (infections caused by parasites).
DESOWEN LOTION should be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if it is necessary. Consult your doctor for advice.
DESOWEN LOTION is not recommended for use in children (less than 2 years of age). Consult your doctor before applying DESOWEN LOTION.
The most common side effects of applying DESOWEN LOTION are application site reactions such as burning, irritation, itching and redness, headache. Contact your doctor if any of the side effects get worse.
Uses Of DESOWEN LOTION
- Used to relieve inflammatory and pruritic manifestation of corticosteroid-responsive dermatosis
How DESOWEN LOTION Works
DESOWEN LOTION works by the induction of lipocortins (inflammatory enzyme) that results in the decreased biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes (potent mediators of inflammation) which manages the release of arachidonic acid (hormone responsible for inflammatory process in the skin) thus providing relief from the inflammation, redness, and itching sensation.
How to use DESOWEN LOTION
Apply DESOWEN LOTION as directed by your doctor. It is for external use only. Avoid contact of this medicine in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or mucous membrane. Your doctor will decide the duration of management depending on the severity of the condition.
Side Effects Of DESOWEN LOTION
Common
- application site reactions such as burning and irritation
- headache
- viral infections
- high blood pressure
- application site erythema (red skin)
- bruises and blisters
- telangiectasia (broken capillaries on the face)
- scarred skin on the limbs
- blue or purple skin rash
- red rash around the mouth
- blushing
Uncommon
- signs of allergic reactions such as facial swelling
- rash (due to irritation including stinging and burning sensation at the site of application)
Rare
- certain skin disorders
Stop applying DESOWEN LOTION and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of skin or subcutaneous atrophy (thin skin) such as bruising, delayed wound healing
- skin irritation
- dermatological reactions due to bacterial or fungal infection
- blurred vision or other visual disturbances (such as cataracts, central serous chorioretinopathy)
How To Manage Side Effects
Headache:
If DESOWEN LOTION cause headache, then take rest and drink plenty of fluids. Try to avoid drinking alcohol. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of applying DESOWEN LOTION. If headaches last more than a week or severe, inform your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
DESOWEN LOTION should be used in pregnant women only if it is clearly advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor before using DESOWEN LOTION.

Breastfeeding
DESOWEN LOTION should be used in breastfeeding women only if clearly advised by your doctor. Do not apply DESOWEN LOTION to the breasts during lactation since it might lead to risk of ingestion by the neonate. Consult your doctor before applying DESOWEN LOTION.

Driving and Using Machines
DESOWEN LOTION does not interfere with your ability to drive or use heavy machines. Consult your doctor before applying DESOWEN LOTION.

Alcohol
Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while applying DESOWEN LOTION. Consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy
Do not use DESOWEN LOTION if you are allergic to Desonide or any other ingredients in the medicine. Consult your doctor before applying DESOWEN LOTION.
Others
DESOWEN LOTION is not recommended for use if you:
- have perioral dermatitis (red skin rash that circles your mouth)
- have skin areas affected by bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal infections
- have skin areas affected by viral infections such as vaccinia, herpes simplex, tuberculosis, acne and rosacea
- have ulcerated lesions
- have glaucoma (eye disorder)
Before applying DESOWEN LOTION, inform your doctor if you have:
- concomitant skin infections (infections caused by parasites)
Use in pediatrics:
DESOWEN LOTION is not recommended for use in children (less than 2 years of age). Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depends on your child’s age, body weight and disease condition. Consult your doctor before applying DESOWEN LOTION.
Use in geriatrics:
DESOWEN LOTION should be used with caution in elderly patients (above 65 years of age). Consult your doctor before applying DESOWEN LOTION.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before applying DESOWEN LOTION, inform your doctor, if you are taking or using prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally uses too much DESOWEN LOTION, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Desonide |
Pharmacological Category | : | Topical Corticosteroids |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (skin disorder characterized by itchy scalp and red skin) |
Dosage Forms | : | Cream, Lotion, Gel |
More Information
- Keep the medicine out of reach in children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About DESOWEN LOTION
What DESOWEN LOTION is used for?
DESOWEN LOTION is used to relieve inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatosis.
How DESOWEN LOTION is applied on the affected site?
Apply DESOWEN LOTION as directed by your doctor. It is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after use to ensure hygiene is maintained. Your doctor will decide the duration of management depending on the severity of the condition.
What are the side effects of DESOWEN LOTION?
The most common side effects of applying DESOWEN LOTION are application site burning and irritation, headache, high blood pressure, and red skin. Contact your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
Is DESOWEN LOTION safe to use in children?
DESOWEN LOTION is not recommended for use in children (less than 2 years of age) and is advised to be used with caution in children (above 2 years) and adolescents (less than 18 years) after consult your doctor before applying DESOWEN LOTION who might check for any occurrence of side effects.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs Acting on Skin and Mucous Membranes. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 895.
2. Wake Forest University. Efficacy of Desonide (Desonatetm) Gel 0.05% in Younger and Older Subjects with Atopic Dermatitis. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised in September 2018] [Accessed on 6th May 2022] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00690833
3. Sarah Gabros; Trevor A. Nessel; Patrick M. Zito. Topical Corticosteroids. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. StatPearls. November 2021 [Accessed on 6th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532940/
4. Galderma Australia Pty Ltd. DESOWEN. [Revised in August 2018] [Accessed on 6th May 2022] https://www.galderma.com/au/sites/default/files/inline-files/Desowen%20PI_7%20Aug%202018_0.pdf
5. Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in April 2013] [Accessed on 6th May 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021978s010lbl.pdf
6. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in July 2014] [Accessed on 6th May 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021844s008lbl.pdf