DESONIDE .5 mg/g Gel
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
- Desonide is a mild topical steroid used to calm inflamed, itchy skin. Desonide gel is specifically approved for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis — commonly called eczema — in bab...
- What skin problems is desonide actually used for?
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only — you don't need a thick coat. The gel is typically used twice a day; the cream or ointment may be used two to four times a day dependi...
- Desonide is meant to be used for the shortest time needed to get your skin under control. The gel form should not be used for more than 4 consecutive weeks. The cream and ointment...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Desonide — tap one for details:
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII HHT01ZNK31
Carbomer Homopolymer Type B is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid. It absorbs water and forms a gel, so it's used in medicines as a thickener, suspending agent, and to help create a smooth texture in creams, gels, and lotions.
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UNII 7FLD91C86K
Edetate disodium is a chemical compound that binds and removes certain metal ions. In medicines, it acts as a preservative and stabilizer by preventing metals like calcium from interfering with the product's shelf life and consistency.
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UNII PDC6A3C0OX
Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
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UNII A2I8C7HI9T
Methylparaben is a preservative derived from benzoic acid that prevents growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold in medicines. It extends the product's shelf life and maintains safety during storage.
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UNII 6DC9Q167V3
Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
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UNII Z8IX2SC1OH
Propylparaben is a chemical preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in medicines and personal care products. It helps extend shelf life and maintain product safety during storage.
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UNII 55X04QC32I
A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
8 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
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Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per g | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $6.23 | $373.59 / 60 g |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desonide .5 mg/g 00472-0804-15 | Actavis | 1 tube | $0.266 | AB | Discontinued | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 00713-0661-15 | Cosette | 1 tube | $0.302 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 16714-0729-01 | NORTHSTAR | 1 tube | $0.302 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 62332-0632-15 | Alembic | 1 tube | $0.302 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 51672-1280-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.302 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 72578-0086-01 | Viona | 1 tube | $0.302 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 45802-0423-35 | Padagis | 1 tube | $0.410 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 72603-0164-01 | NORTHSTAR | 1 tube | $0.410 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 51672-1281-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.410 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 62332-0485-15 | Alembic | 1 tube | $0.410 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/gthis 24470-0920-60 | Cintex | 1 tube | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 46708-0485-15 | Alembic | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 63187-0747-15 | Proficient | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 70771-1381-01 | Zydus | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 63629-2506-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 80425-0418-01 | Advanced | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 72162-2005-02 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 80425-0371-01 | Advanced | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 63629-2507-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 46708-0632-15 | Alembic | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24470-0920-60 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (24470-920-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | 2020-07-09 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | — Not published for this NDC No photo available yet for this listing. |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
Why is there no price listed?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
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Do I need a prescription for this product?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desonide Gel, 0.05% is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients 3 months of age and older. Patients should be instructed to use Desonide Gel, 0.05% for the minimum amount of time as necessary to achieve the desired results because of the potential for Desonide Gel, 0.05% to suppress the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Treatment should not exceed 4 consecutive weeks [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )].
Desonide Gel, 0.05% is a corticosteroid indicated for the topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients 3 months of age and older. ( 1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin layer to the affected areas two times daily and rub in gently. Discontinue use when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 4 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.
Treatment beyond 4 consecutive weeks is not recommended. Do not use with occlusive dressings. Avoid contact with eyes or other mucous membranes.
For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. • Apply as a thin layer to the affected areas two times daily and rub in gently. ( 2 ) • Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved.
( 2 ) • If no improvement is seen within 4 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. ( 2 ) • Should not be used with occlusive dressings. ( 2 ) • Treatment beyond 4 consecutive weeks is not recommended.
( 2 ) • For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Gel, 0.05%; (0.5mg/g) desonide in a translucent to opaque gel Gel, 0.05%; (0.5mg/g) desonide in a translucent to opaque gel
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Desonide Gel, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. History of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome and unmask latent diabetes. ( 5.1 ) • Systemic absorption may require evaluation for HPA axis suppression. ( 5.1 ) • Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop ( 5.1 ) • Potent corticosteroids, use on large areas, prolonged use or occlusive use may increase systemic absorption ( 5.1 ) • Local adverse reactions may include atrophy, striae, irritation, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, and allergic contact dermatitis and may be more likely with occlusive use or more potent corticosteroids.
( 5.2 , 5.4 , 6 ) • Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity when treated with topical corticosteroids. ( 5.1 , 8.4 )
5.1Effects on Endocrine System Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid. The effect of Desonide Gel, 0.05% on HPA axis function was investigated in pediatric subjects, 6 months to 6 years old, with atopic dermatitis covering at least 35% of their body, who were treated with Desonide Gel, 0.05% twice daily for 4 weeks.
One of 37 subjects (3%) displayed adrenal suppression after 4 weeks of use, based on the cosyntropin stimulation test. As follow-up evaluation of the subject’s adrenal axis was not performed, it is unknown whether the suppression was reversible [see Use In Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible than adults to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses of Desonide Gel, 0.05% due to their larger skin surface-to-body mass ratios [see Use In Specific Populations ( 8.4 )].
Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. Factors that predispose a patient using a topical corticosteroid to HPA axis suppression include the use of more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, use over prolonged periods, use under occlusion, use on an altered skin barrier, and use in patients with liver failure. An ACTH stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression.
If HPA axis suppression is documented, an attempt should be made to gradually withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.
Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can also result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic corticosteroid exposure.
5.2Local Adverse Reactions with Topical Corticosteroids Local adverse reactions may be more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use or use of higher potency corticosteroids. Reactions may include skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible.
5.3Concomitant Skin Infections If concomitant skin infections are present or develop during treatment, an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be used. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, use of Desonide Gel, 0.05% should be discontinued until the infection is adequately controlled.
5.4Skin Irritation If irritation develops, Desonide Gel, 0.05% should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Allergic contact dermatitis wit…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In controlled clinical studies of 425 Desonide Gel, 0.05%-treated subjects and 157 Vehicle-treated subjects, adverse events occurred at the application site in 3% of subjects treated with Desonide Gel, 0.05% and the incidence rate was not higher compared with vehicle-treated subjects.
The most common local adverse events in Desonide Gel, 0.05% treated subjects were application site burning in 1% (4/425) and rash in 1% (3/425) followed by application site pruritus in <1% (2/425). Adverse events that resulted in premature discontinuation of study drug in Desonide Gel, 0.05% treated subjects were telangiectasia and worsening of atopic dermatitis in one subject each. Additional adverse events observed during clinical trials for patients treated with Desonide Gel, 0.05% included headache in 2% (8/425) compared with 1% (2/157) in those treated with vehicle.
The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids. They may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings, especially with higher potency corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria.
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are headache and application site burning. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cintex Services, LLC at 1-855-899-4237 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Safety and effectiveness of Desonide Gel, 0.05% in pediatric patients less than 3 months of age have not been evaluated, and therefore its use in this age group is not recommended. ( 8.4 ) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Revised: 05/2016
8.1Pregnancy Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Desonide Gel, 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. 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. No reproductive studies in animals have been performed with Desonide Gel, 0.05%. Dermal embryofetal development studies were conducted in rats and rabbits with a desonide cream, 0.05% formulation.
Topical doses of 0.2, 0.6, and 2.0 g cream/kg/day of a desonide cream, 0.05% formulation or 2.0 g/kg of the cream base were administered topically to pregnant rats (gestational days 6-15) and pregnant rabbits (gestational days 6-18). Maternal body weight loss was noted at all dose levels of the desonide cream, 0.05% formulation in rats and rabbits. Teratogenic effects characteristic of corticosteroids were noted in both species.
The desonide cream, 0.05% formulation was teratogenic in rats at topical doses of 0.6 and 2.0 g cream/kg/day and in rabbits at a topical dose of 2.0 g cream/kg/day. No teratogenic effects were noted for the desonide cream, 0.05% formulation at a topical dose of 0.2 g cream/kg/day in rats and 0.6 g cream/kg/day in rabbits. These doses (0.2 g cream/kg/day and 0.6 g cream/kg/day) are similar to the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area comparisons.
Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Desonide Gel, 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. 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. No reproductive studies in animals have been performed with Desonide Gel, 0.05%. Dermal embryofetal development studies were conducted in rats and rabbits with a desonide cream, 0.05% formulation.
Topical doses of 0.2, 0.6, and 2.0 g cream/kg/day of a desonide cream, 0.05% formulation or 2.0 g/kg of the cream base were administered topically to pregnant rats (gestational days 6-15) and pregnant rabbits (gestational days 6-18). Maternal body weight loss was noted at all dose levels of the desonide cream, 0.05% formulation in rats and rabbits. Teratogenic effects characteristic of corticosteroids were noted in both species.
The desonide cream, 0.05% formulation was teratogenic in rats at topical doses of 0.6 and 2.0 g cream/kg/day and in rabbits at a topical dose of 2.0 g cream/kg/day. No teratogenic effects were noted for the desonide cream, 0.05% formulation at a topical dose of 0.2 g cream/kg/day in rats and 0.6 g cream/kg/day in rabbits. These doses (0.2 g cream/kg/day and 0.6 g cream/kg/day) are similar to the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area comparisons.
8.3Nursing Mothers 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. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Desonide Gel, 0.05% is administered to a nursing woman.
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectivene…
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Topically applied Desonide Gel, 0.05% can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of desonide is unknown.
12.2Pharmacodynamics In an HPA axis suppression study, one of 37 (3%) pediatric subjects, 6 months to 6 years old, with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis covering at least 35% body surface area who applied Desonide Gel, 0.05% experienced suppression of the adrenal glands following 4 weeks of therapy [see Warnings And Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Use In Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . A follow-up evaluation of the subject’s adrenal axis was not performed; it is unknown whether the suppression was reversible.
12.3Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including product formulation and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusion, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may also increase percutaneous absorption. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids.
They are metabolized primarily in the liver and then are excreted by the kidneys. Some corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted in the bile.
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of desonide is unknown.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Desonide Gel, 0.05% is a translucent to opaque gel supplied in 60g tubes in cartons containing 1x 60g tube (NDC 24470-920-60). Storage: Store at controlled room temperature: 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep out of reach of children.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Desonide Gel, 0.05% contains desonide [(pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione,11, 21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene) bis(oxy)]-,(11β,16α)]- a synthetic nonfluorinated corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. Chemically, desonide is C 24 H 32 O 6 . It has the following structural formula: Desonide has the molecular weight of 416.52.
It is a white to off-white odorless powder which is soluble in methanol and practically insoluble in water. Each gram of Desonide Gel, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of desonide in an aqueous gel base of purified water, glycerin, propylene glycol, edetate disodium, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium hydroxide, and Carbopol ® 974 P. structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. Unless directed by the physician, the treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive. Unless directed by a physician, this medication should not be used on the underarm or groin areas of pediatric patients.
Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use Desonide Gel, 0.05% in the treatment of diaper dermatitis. Desonide Gel, 0.05% should not be applied in the diaper area, as diapers or plastic pants may constitute occlusive dressing [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.
Other corticosteroid-containing products should not be used with Desonide Gel, 0.05% without first consulting with the physician. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 4 weeks, contact the physician.