Betamethasone

Generic name: Betamethasone Topical
Drug class: Topical steroids

Usage of Betamethasone

Betamethasone is a highly potent steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Betamethasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Betamethasone topical is available in a cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray.

Topical betamethasone formulations are usually formulated with one of two salts: Betamethasone dipropionate or Betamethasone valerate. The potency of betamethasone formulations can vary depending on which salt is used – dipropionate or valerate.

Betamethasone dipropionate contains two esters - this makes it more fat soluble and increases its ability to penetrate the skin better. This makes it more potent than betamethasone valerate, which only contains one ester.

The absorption and potency of a topical steroid can also vary depending on the vehicle used to deliver the steroid (such as a cream, gel, lotion, or ointment) and if it has been augmented or not. Augmentation refers to enhancing the vehicle with a substance, such as propylene glycol, to allow it to penetrate the skin more quickly and work faster. For example, augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment or gel is a Class 1 (highly potent) topical steroid, but the augmented lotion or cream and regular betamethasone dipropionate ointment is Class 2.

Betamethasone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to betamethasone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe skin irritation where the medicine was applied; or
  • signs of skin infection (swelling, redness, warmth, oozing).

    • Your skin can absorb topical steroid medicine, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor if you have:

  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;
  • increased thirst or urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
  • weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
  • muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.

    • Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

    Common betamethasone side effects may include:

  • itching, redness, burning, stinging, or blistering of treated skin;
  • skin bruising or shiny appearance; or
  • folliculitis (redness or crusting around your hair follicles).

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Betamethasone

    You should not use betamethasone if you are allergic to it.

    To make sure betamethasone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • skin irritation after using steroid medicine;
  • thinning of the skin where you will apply betamethasone;
  • cataracts or glaucoma;
  • diabetes;
  • liver disease;
  • adrenal gland problems; or
  • any type of skin infection.

    • It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

    It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks. If you apply betamethasone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

    Do not use betamethasone on a child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

    Diprolene is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old. Sernivo and Luxiq are not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.

    Relate drugs

    How to use Betamethasone

    Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:

    Cream, gel, ointment:

  • Apply a thin film topically to the affected area 1 or 2 times a day
  • Foam, lotion: Apply topically twice a day (morning and night)

    • Comments:

  • Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment may be necessary.
  • Occlusive dressings should not be used unless directed by a healthcare provider.

    • Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

    Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

    Spray:

  • Apply topically to affected skin areas twice a day; rub in gently
  • Duration of Treatment: Up to 4 weeks

    • Comments:

  • Discontinue therapy when control is achieved; treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended.

    • Use: For the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis:

    12 years or older:

  • Cream, gel, ointment: Apply a thin film topically to the affected area 1 or 2 times a day Foam, lotion: Apply topically twice a day (morning and night)

    • Comments:

  • Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment may be necessary.
  • Occlusive dressings should not be used unless directed by a healthcare provider.
  • Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of children.

    • Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

    Warnings

    Do not use betamethasone longer than you have been told to by your doctor. Use care when using on a large part of the skin. Talk with your doctor.

    Do not use to treat diaper rash or redness. Avoid applying betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray to the diaper area.

    Different brands of betamethasone may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before using betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray on a child.

    If you are breastfeeding, do not apply betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray to the nipple or the area around it.

    Betamethasone may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk to your doctor.

    What other drugs will affect Betamethasone

    Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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