Desonide .5 mg/g Ointment — NDC 51672-1281-1 (Billing 51672-1281-01)
This is a package of Desonide .5 mg/g Ointment from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., marketed since Aug 1994 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $0.3921 per g (NADAC).
Identity & classification
Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package
Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification
- GSN (GCN sequence number): 007622
- GCN: 31430
- GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 90550035004205
- HICL (First Databank): 003322
- AHFS class code: 84:06.08.00
- RxCUI (RxNorm): 204135
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- RxNorm (NLM RxNav) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- Medi-Span GPI (licensed)
- First Databank (licensed) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class.
Where does this data come from?
- RxClass (NLM) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
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 ↗- It calms inflammation and itching from skin conditions that respond to steroids. The gel is specifically for mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in people 3 months and olde...
- Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub it in gently. How many times a day depends on your product, so follow your label and prescriber. Don’t cover the area with tight wraps...
- Use it for the shortest time that works. The gel should not go past 4 weeks in a row. The cream and ointment should not go past two weeks unless your doctor says so. Stop once your...
- Mild burning, rash, itching, dryness or irritation where you apply it. Call your doctor if the skin gets worse, thins, looks infected, or if you notice signs of too much steroid in...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Desonide — tap one for details:
Where does this data come from?
- MedlinePlus (NLM) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
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 | $0.392 | $5.88 / 15 g |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.7676 | $11.51 / 15 g |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.6421 | $9.63 / 15 g |
Where does this data come from?
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
- CMS ASP pricing files · refreshed Sep 20, 2026
- CMS Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data · through Q1 2026
- CMS Part D plan pricing files · refreshed Sep 24, 2026
- VA National Acquisition Center price file
Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Marketing end | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51672-1281-01 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 15 g in 1 TUBE | $0.3921 / g | $5.88 | 1994-08-03 | — | Active |
| 51672-1281-03 51672-1281-3 Main listing | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 60 g in 1 TUBE | $0.2566 / g | $15.40 | 1994-08-03 | — | Active |
Per g, this pack runs about 53% above the cheapest pack (NDC 51672-1281-03, $0.2566 vs $0.3921 NADAC).
This pack accounts for about 44% of this product's recent Medicaid fills; most go to a different pack size. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in this package?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Desonide .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.
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 | save 32% |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 00713-0661-15 | Cosette | 1 tube | $0.306 | AB | Availability likely | save 22% |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 16714-0729-01 | NORTHSTAR | 1 tube | $0.306 | AB | Availability likely | save 22% |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 62332-0632-15 | Alembic | 1 tube | $0.306 | AB | Availability likely | save 22% |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 51672-1280-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.306 | AB | Availability likely | save 22% |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 72578-0086-01 | Viona | 1 tube | $0.306 | AB | Availability likely | save 22% |
| Desonide Ointment, 0.05% .5 mg/g 21922-0004-04 | Encube | 1 tube | $0.392 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 45802-0423-35 | Padagis | 1 tube | $0.392 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/gthis 51672-1281-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.392 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 62332-0485-15 | Alembic | 1 tube | $0.392 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 72603-0164-01 | NORTHSTAR | 1 tube | $0.392 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 46708-0485-15 | Alembic | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide Ointment, 0.05% .5 mg/g 63629-8481-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide Ointment, 0.05% .5 mg/g 63629-8482-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide Ointment, 0.05% .5 mg/g 72162-1272-02 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desonide .5 mg/g 24470-0920-60 | Cintex | 1 tube | — | — | 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?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Sep 3, 2026
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
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?
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Sep 3, 2026
What it looks like
Where does this data come from?
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
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.
-
UNII T5L8T28FGP
Mineral oil is a clear, odorless liquid derived from crude oil. It acts as a lubricant and emollient in medications, helping pills slide smoothly during manufacturing and aiding moisture retention in topical products.
-
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.- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- Drugs@FDA
Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% are low potency corticosteroids indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses. It should not be used for longer than two weeks unless directed by a physician.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Desonide cream, 0.05% or desonide ointment, 0.05% should be applied to the affected area as a thin film two to four times daily depending on the severity of the condition. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within two weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.
Desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% should not be used with occlusive dressings.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% are 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 cream, 0.05% was approximately 1% and desonide ointment, 0.05% was approximately 6%. The adverse reactions for desonide cream, 0.05% were pruritus, pain, folliculitis, rash, peripheral edema, pustular rash, sweating, erythema, irritation, and burning. Laboratory abnormalities were found in 3% of the patients.
These were hyperglycemia (2%) and liver function abnormality (1%). The adverse reactions for desonide ointment, 0.05% were erythema, induration, pruritus, irritation, oiliness, and peripheral edema. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids.
These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, burning and hypopigmentation.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects 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. Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with desonide cream, 0.05% or desonide ointment, 0.05%.
It is also not known whether desonide cream, 0.05% or desonide ointment, 0.05% can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Desonide cream, 0.05% or desonide ointment, 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during or after withdrawal of treatment.
Adverse effects including striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include low plasma cortisol levels and absence of response to ACTH stimulation.
Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% 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 dressings 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 cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% indicate that they are in the low range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Desonide Cream, 0.05% is supplied in 15 g (NDC 51672-1280-1) and 60 g (NDC 51672-1280-3) tubes. Desonide Ointment, 0.05% is supplied in 15 g (NDC 51672-1281-1) and 60 g (NDC 51672-1281-3) tubes. STORAGE Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
STORAGE Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Desonide Cream, 0.05% and Desonide Ointment, 0.05% contain desonide (Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione,11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]-,(11β,16α-)) a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primary synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Chemically, desonide, the active ingredient in Desonide Cream, 0.05% and Desonide Ointment, 0.05%, is C 24 H 32 O 6 .
It has the following structural formula: The molecular weight of desonide is 416.51. It is a white to off-white odorless powder which is soluble in methanol and practically insoluble in water. Each gram of Desonide Cream, 0.05% contains 0.5 milligram of desonide in a compatible vehicle buffered to the pH range of normal skin.
It contains aluminum acetate basic, cetearyl alcohol/sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium cetearyl sulfate, glycerin, mineral oil, purified water, white petrolatum and white wax. It is preserved with methylparaben. Each gram of Desonide Ointment, 0.05% contains 0.5 milligram of desonide in an ointment base consisting of mineral oil and white petrolatum.
It is a smooth, uniform petrolatum-type ointment. Chemical Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients 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. The treated skin area should not be bandaged, or otherwise covered or wrapped, so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.
⚠️ Precautions ▾
PRECAUTIONS General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can also be produced in some patients by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids while on treatment. Patients applying a topical steroid to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression.
This may be done by using the ACTH stimulation, A.M. plasma cortisol, and urinary free cortisol tests. Patients receiving superpotent corticosteroids should not be treated for more than two weeks at a time and only small areas should be treated at any one time due to the increased risk of HPA suppressions. One of ten patients treated for one week under occlusion (30% of body surface) with desonide cream, 0.05% developed HPA axis suppression as determined by metapyrone testing.
No specific studies relevant to potential HPA suppression have been conducted with desonide ointment, 0.05%. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.
Infrequently, signs and symptoms of glucocorticosteroid insufficiency may occur requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. For information on systemic supplementation, see prescribing information for those products. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios (See PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use ).
If irritation develops, desonide cream, 0.05% or desonide ointment, 0.05% should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation as with most topical products not containing corticosteroids. Such an observation should be corroborated with appropriate diagnostic patch testing.
If concomitant skin infections are present or develop, an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be used. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, use of desonide cream, 0.05% or desonide ointment, 0.05% should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled. Desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% should not be used in the presence of infection at the treatment site, hypersensitivity to corticosteroids, or pre-existing skin atrophy.
Desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% should not be used in the eyes. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Information for Patients 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.
The treated skin area should not be bandaged, or otherwise covered or wrapped, so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions. Laboratory Tests The following tests may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression: ACTH stimulation test A.M. plasma cortisol test Urinary free cortisol test Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic, mutagenic, or fertility impairment potential of desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05%.
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have bee… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🍼 Nursing Mothers ▾
Nursing 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 cream, 0.05% or desonide ointment, 0.05% is administered to a nursing woman.
🧬 Pharmacokinetics ▾
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 dressings 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 cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05% indicate that they are in the low range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility ▾
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic, mutagenic, or fertility impairment potential of desonide cream, 0.05% and desonide ointment, 0.05%.
📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel ▾
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 g Cream Tube Carton NDC 51672-1280-1 15 g Desonide Cream 0.05% FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE. Rx only Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. TARO PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 g Cream Tube Carton
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 g Ointment Tube Carton NDC 51672-1281-1 15 g Desonide Ointment 0.05% FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE. Rx only Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. TARO desonide-03