What is LoKara (Desonide Topical)?
Desonide is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Desonide topical is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
Desonide topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about LoKara (Desonide Topical)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with desonide topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking LoKara (Desonide Topical)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to desonide.
Before using desonide topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of skin infection.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether desonide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.
LoKara Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of LoKara (Desonide Topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing desonide topical through your skin, such as:
- blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights
- mood changes
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
- muscle weakness, feeling tired
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild skin itching, redness, burning, or peeling
- dryness or scaly skin
- thinning or softening of your skin
- skin rash or irritation around your mouth
- swollen hair follicles
- changes in color of treated skin
- blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
- stretch marks
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
LoKara Interactions
What other drugs affect LoKara (Desonide Topical)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied desonide topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking LoKara (Desonide Topical)?
Desonide topical should not be used to treat any skin condition your doctor has not prescribed it for.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use desonide topical on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.
Lomotil Dosage
How should I take Lomotil (Atropine Diphenoxylate)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
If you are giving this medication to a child, pay close attention to the dose. An atropine and diphenoxylate overdose is more likely to occur in a child, and can cause breathing problems or result in death or permanent brain damage.
Use only the liquid form of this medicine in a child younger than 13 years old. Do not give atropine and diphenoxylate tablets to a child under 13.
Take the medicine with a full glass of water. Drink extra water while you are taking atropine and diphenoxylate to keep from getting dehydrated.
It may take up to 48 hours of using the medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Store atropine and diphenoxylate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the medication where a child cannot reach it. An overdose of atropine and diphenoxylate can be fatal to a child.
What happens if I overdose on Lomotil (Atropine Diphenoxylate)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if a child has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of atropine and diphenoxylate can cause breathing problems and may result in death or permanent brain damage.
Early overdose symptoms may include dry skin, dry mouth or nose, blurred vision, restless feeling, feeling too warm or cold, tingly feeling, and a fast heart rate.
Progressing symptoms of an atropine and diphenoxylate overdose include weakness, pinpoint pupils in the eyes, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma. Report any early overdose symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible.
What happens if I miss a dose of Lomotil (Atropine Diphenoxylate)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com