Desonide .5 mg/mL Lotion
🆔 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 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). Desonide is in a class of medications called topical corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- 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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🧪 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 XF417D3PSL
Anhydrous citric acid is a sour, crystalline powder derived from citric acid with water removed. In medicines, it acts as a buffer to control pH, adds tartness to improve taste, and helps tablets disintegrate.
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UNII 936JST6JCN
Cetyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty substance derived from plant or animal sources. It acts as an emulsifier and thickener in medicines, helping blend oil and water components and giving products a smooth, creamy texture.
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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 FCZ5MH785I
A waxy substance made from glycerin and stearic acid. It works as an emulsifier to help mix oil and water ingredients together, and as a thickener to give the medicine its proper texture and consistency.
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UNII N6K5787QVP
Light mineral oil is a clear, odorless liquid derived from petroleum. In medicines, it acts as a lubricant and emollient to help the product spread smoothly and improve texture.
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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 368GB5141J
A detergent and foaming agent derived from coconut or palm oil. In medications, it helps break down and mix oil and water-based ingredients, aids in tablet disintegration, and improves how the drug dissolves and spreads in the mouth or digestive system.
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UNII NVZ4I0H58X
A waxy substance made from sorbitol and stearic acid. It acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer, helping keep oil and water mixed together and preventing separation in the medicine.
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UNII 2KR89I4H1Y
Stearyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty substance derived from natural oils or made synthetically. It acts as an emulsifier and thickener in medicines, helping mix ingredients together and give the product the right texture.
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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.
13 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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💲 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 | $1.48 | — |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desonide .5 mg/mL 62332-0550-18 | Alembic | 1 bottle | $0.535 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/mL 00472-0803-02 | Actavis | 1 bottle | $0.547 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/mL 51672-4079-04 | Sun | 1 bottle | $0.547 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/mLthis 46708-0550-18 | Alembic | 1 bottle | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/mL 63629-8739-01 | Bryant | 1 bottle | — | — | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46708-0550-18 You're viewing this | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (46708-550-18) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | 2025-03-26 | Active |
| 46708-0550-59 | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (46708-550-59) / 59 mL in 1 BOTTLE | 2025-03-26 | Active |
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 46708-0550-18?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Desonide .5 mg/mL Lotion?
🧭 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 | ✓ Available |
| 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 | ✓ Available |
| 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?
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
Is this package still being marketed?
Does this product come in other package sizes?
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Do I need a prescription for this product?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desonide lotion is a low to medium potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Desonide lotion should be applied to the affected areas as a thin film two or three times daily depending on the severity of the condition. SHAKE LOTION WELL BEFORE USING. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Desonide lotion should not be used with occlusive dressings.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Desonide lotion is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparations.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of desonide was approximately 8%. These were: stinging and burning approximately 3%, irritation, contact dermatitis, condition worsened, peeling of skin, itching, intense transient erythema, and dryness/scaliness, each less than 2%. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with other topical corticosteroids, and 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. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied desonide lotion can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Like other topical corticosteroids, desonide has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 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 A 2 . Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier.
Occlusive dressing with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption.
Studies performed with desonide lotion indicate that they are in the low to medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Desonide Lotion, 0.05% is supplied in 59 mL and 118 mL bottles containing: 2 fl oz (59 mL) NDC 46708-550-59 4 fl oz (118 mL) NDC 46708-550-18 Storage Conditions: Store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Manufactured by: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited (Derma Division), Karakhadi, Vadodara 391450, India. Mfg. License No.: G/25/2216 Revised: 03/2025
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Desonide Lotion, 0.05% contain desonide, USP (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. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents. Chemically, desonide, USP is C 24 H 32 O 6 .
It has the following structural formula: Desonide, USP has the molecular weight of 416.51. It is a white to almost white crystalline powder which is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol and in acetone, soluble in chloroform. Each gram of desonide lotion, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of desonide, USP in a base of cetyl alcohol, edetate disodium, glyceryl stearate SE, light mineral oil, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan monostearate, and stearyl alcohol.
May contain citric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. chemical structure