| Indication | For the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Like other topical corticosteroids, desoximetasone has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Desoximetasone is a potent topical corticosteroid that should not be used with occlusive dressings. It is recommended that treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks and therapy should be discontinued when adequate results have been achieved. |
| Mechanism of action | The precise mechanism of the antiinflammatory activity of topical steroids in the treatment of steroid-responsive dermatoses, in general, is uncertain. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. This is achieved first by the drug binding to the glucocorticoid receptors which then translocates into the nucleus and binds to DNA causing various activations and repressions of genes. 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 A2. |
| Absorption | Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from intact healthy skin. The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusion, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may also increase percutaneous absorption. |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | Bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. |
| Metabolism | Metabolized, primarily in the liver, and then excreted by the kidneys. |
| Route of elimination | Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees, are metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.Pharmacokinetic studies in men with Desoximetasone Cream USP, 0.25% with tagged desoximetasone showed a total of 5.2% ± 2.9% excretion in urine (4.1% ± 2.3%) and feces (1.1% ± 0.6%) |
| Half life | The half-life of the material was 15 ± 2 hours (for urine) and 17 ± 2 hours (for feces) between the third and fifth trial day. |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Topically applied desoximetasone can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Symptoms of overdose include thinning of skin and suppression of adrenal cortex (decreased ability to respond to stress). |