Dosing and uses of Topicort (desoximetasone)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
topical cream
- 0.05%
- 0.25%
topical geL
- 0.05%
topical ointment
- 0.25%
topical spray
- 0.25%
Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses
Apply thin film topically to affected area(s) BId
Plaque Psoriasis
Indicated for adults (>18 yr) with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
Topical spray: Apply thin film topically to affected area(s) BID and rub in gently; may use for up to 4 weeks
Administration
Topical spray
- Discontinued when control is achieved
- Treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended
- Do not use if atrophy is present at the treatment site
- Do not use with occlusive dressings, unless directed by the physician
- Avoid use on the face, axilla or groin
- Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use
- Flammable; keep away from heat or flame
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
topical cream
- 0.05%
- 0.25%
topical geL
- 0.05%
topical ointment
- 0.25%
Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses
High-potency topical steroid
Apply sparingly to affected area(s) and limit to minimum amount necessary for therapeutic efficacy; avoid face
Use for shortest time possible (<2 weeks)
Topicort (desoximetasone) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Skin atrophy
Striae
Acneform lesions
Pigmentation changes
HPA suppression (with higher potency used >2 wk)
Warnings
Contraindications
Underlying infection
Hypersensitivity
Ophthalmic use
Cautions
Chronic topical corticosteroid therapy may interfere with growth and development in children
Use med to very high potency for <2 wk to reduce local and systemic side effects
Use low potency for chronic therapy
Avoid medium to very high potency on face, folds, groin because can increase steroid absorption
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Topicort (desoximetasone)
Absorption: yes
Potency
High potency
Relative potency: ointment >cream >lotion >solution
Mechanism of action
Corticosteroids decrease inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes; inhibiting macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas; reducing leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium; reducing capillary wall permeability and edema formation; decreasing complement components; antagonizing histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates; reducing fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation
