Desoximetasone

The Basics

What is Desoximetasone?

Topical corticosteroid used for the relief of various skin conditions, including rashes that helps to reduce redness, itching, and irritation.

Brand names for Desoximetasone

Taclonex Scalp

How Desoximetasone is classified

Corticosteroids – Topical, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Desoximetasone During Pregnancy

Desoximetasone pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Desoximetasone while pregnant

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 cream USP, 0.25% and 15 to 150 times the human dose of desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05%, or desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05%. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, desoximetasone cream USP, 0.05%, desoximetasone cream USP, 0.25%, or desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05%, 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.

Taking Desoximetasone While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Desoximetasone?

Desoximetasone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Desoximetasone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Possible effects of Desoximetasone on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Desoximetasone

Hydrocortisone, Topical.