desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g Ointment
🆔 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
Desoximetasone topical is used to treat the redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions, including psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body and eczema (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Desoximetasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Desoximetasone is a prescription steroid cream, ointment, gel, or spray applied to the skin to calm inflammation and itching. The creams, gels, and ointments are used for a range o...
- What exactly is desoximetasone used for?
- Apply a thin film to the affected area twice a day and rub it in gently. Use it only on the skin areas your doctor pointed out — and only for external use, never near your eyes, in...
- For the topical spray, the label recommends stopping treatment once your skin improves and not using it for longer than 4 weeks. For the creams, gel, and ointments, follow your doc...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Desoximetasone — tap one for details:
Where does this data come from?
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 C9H2L21V7U
A fat derived from coconut or palm oil containing shorter fatty acid chains. It serves as a solvent and carrier to help dissolve or suspend active ingredients, improving absorption and stability in liquid formulations.
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UNII 4T6H12BN9U
Petrolatum is a purified mineral oil-based jelly derived from petroleum. In medicines, it acts as an emollient, lubricant, and moisture barrier to soften skin, reduce friction, and help prevent water loss from formulations.
2 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?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
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 | $0.353 | $5.29 / 15 g |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.8390 | $12.59 / 15 g |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.7262 | $10.89 / 15 g |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 00472-0479-15 | Actavis | 1 tube | $0.353 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/gthis 45802-0496-14 | Padagis | 1 tube | $0.353 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 68180-0946-01 | Lupin | 1 tube | $0.353 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 72578-0095-01 | Viona | 1 tube | $0.353 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 72578-0091-01 | Viona | 1 tube | $0.385 | AB | Availability likely | +9% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 45802-0495-35 | Padagis | 1 tube | $0.385 | AB | Availability likely | +9% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 68180-0950-01 | Lupin | 1 tube | $0.385 | AB | Availability likely | +9% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 71656-0087-15 | Saptalis | 15 tubes | $0.385 | AB | Availability likely | +9% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 00472-0478-15 | Actavis | 1 tube | $0.394 | AB | Discontinued | +12% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 51672-1270-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.410 | AB | Availability likely | +16% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 51672-1262-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.680 | — | FDA listed | +93% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 68462-0531-17 | Glenmark | 15 g | $0.680 | — | FDA listed | +93% |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 40032-0024-60 | Novel | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 63629-8641-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 63629-8642-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 70771-1166-00 | Zydus | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 72162-1414-02 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 63187-0646-15 | Proficient | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 71205-0271-15 | Proficient | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 50090-5571-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 50090-0597-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 72162-2330-02 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g 70771-1437-00 | Zydus | 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?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45802-0496-14 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (45802-496-14) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | $0.3527 / g | $5.29 | 2015-05-14 | Active |
| 45802-0496-96 | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (45802-496-96) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | $0.1896 / g | $11.38 | 2015-06-16 | Active |
Per g, this pack runs about 86% above the cheapest pack (NDC 45802-0496-96, $0.1896 vs $0.3527 NADAC).
This pack accounts for about 18% of this product's recent Medicaid fills; most go to a different pack size. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 45802-0496-14?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g Ointment?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% to the affected skin areas twice daily. Rub in gently.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Keep out of reach of children.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS 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 Hypertrichosis Maceration of the skin Itching Acneiform eruptions Secondary infection Irritation Hypopigmentation Skin atrophy Dryness Perioral dermatitis Striae Folliculitis Allergic contact dermatitis Miliaria In controlled clinical studies the incidence of adverse reactions was low (0.3%) for desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% and consisted of development of comedones at the site of application.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Padagis ® at 1-866-634-9120 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
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 ointment USP, 0.25%. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids.
Therefore, desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% 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 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.
Safety and effectiveness of desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% in pediatric patients below the age of 10 have not been established.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids.
There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man. Pharmacokinetics - The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin.
Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses.
Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys.
Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile. Pharmacokinetic studies in men with desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% with tagged desoximetasone showed no detectable level (limit of sensitivity: 0.003 μg/mL) in 1 subject and 0.004 and 0.006 μg/mL in the remaining 2 subjects in the blood when it was applied topically on the back followed by occlusion for 24 hours. The extent of absorption for the ointment was 7% based on radioactivity recovered from urine and feces.
Seven days after application, no further radioactivity was detected in urine or feces. Studies with other similarly structured steroids have shown that predominant metabolite reaction occurs through conjugation to form the glucuronide and sulfate ester.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Desoximetasone Ointment USP, 0.25% is supplied as follows: 15 gram tube (NDC 45802- 496 -14) 60 gram tube (NDC 45802- 496 -96)
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Desoximetasone Ointment USP, 0.25% contains the active synthetic corticosteroid desoximetasone. The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Each gram of Desoximetasone Ointment USP, 0.25% contains 2.5 mg of desoximetasone in an ointment base consisting of fractionated coconut oil and white petrolatum.
The chemical name of desoximetasone is Pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 9-fluoro-11, 21-dihydroxy-16-methyl-,(11β,16α)-. Desoximetasone has the molecular formula C 22 H 29 FO 4 and a molecular weight of 376.47. The CAS Registry Number is 382-67-2.
The structural formula is: Image 1
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for the Patient Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only.
Avoid contact with the eyes. 2. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed.
3. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. 4.
Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressings. 5. Other corticosteroid-containing products should not be used with desoximetasone ointment USP, 0.25% 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.