osudhkosh

Generic

Betamethasone + Salicylic Acid

6 brands available in the market

At a glance

Betamethasone 0.05% + Salicylic Acid 2% is a prescription combination preparation used for the treatment of inflammatory, dry and scaly skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. It provides relief from redness, itching and swelling, removes dead skin cells and helps soften the skin.

Description

Betamethasone 0.05% + Salicylic Acid 2% is a combination preparation used for the treatment of inflammatory, dry and scaly skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. This preparation contains Betamethasone (a corticosteroid) and Salicylic Acid (a keratolytic agent).

Betamethasone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the skin red, swollen and itchy. Salicylic Acid is a keratolytic medicine which breaks down keratin clumps, removes dead skin cells and softens the skin. It also enhances the absorption of Betamethasone into the skin.

This preparation is usually applied to the affected area twice daily. The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 60 g. In children, treatment should be limited to 5 days.

Indications
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Inflammatory, dry and scaly skin disorders
Therapeutic class

Topical anti-inflammatory preparations

Pharmacological class

Corticosteroid + Keratolytic

Pharmacology

Betamethasone Dipropionate is a glucocorticoid which has primarily anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Salicylic Acid has keratolytic properties and is applied topically in the treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions. The keratolytic action helps to facilitate the penetration of the corticosteroids easily and Betamethasone Dipropionate is an effective treatment of dermatoses because of their anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions.

Mechanism of action

Betamethasone reduces inflammation and itching, while Salicylic Acid removes dead skin cells and softens the skin, which enhances the absorption of Betamethasone and helps control symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Dosage

Adults (Ointment): Apply to the affected area once or twice daily. In most cases, apply twice daily for two weeks and review at that time. Maximum weekly dose should not exceed 60 g.

Children (Ointment): Dosage should be limited to 5 days.

Scalp Lotion: Apply a few drops to the affected area and massage gently onto the scalp or skin. Usually applied twice daily (morning and night).

Administration

For external use only. Use in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Shake well before use and apply evenly to the affected area. Wash hands after application. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not apply to open wounds or damaged skin.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

Side effects
  • Application site burning
  • Itching
  • Irritation
  • Redness
  • Dryness
  • Hypopigmentation
  • Perioral dermatitis
  • Allergic contact dermatitis
Precautions & warnings
  • Avoid contact with eyes
  • Do not use in bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections
  • If severe irritation or allergy occurs, discontinue use
  • Avoid application to open wounds or damaged skin
  • Avoid long-term continuous therapy regardless of age
  • Avoid prolonged use in pregnant patients
Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to betamethasone, salicylic acid, or any component
  • Tuberculosis
  • Viral skin lesions (herpes simplex, vaccinia, varicella)
  • Bacterial or fungal skin infections
Drug interactions
  • Acetaminophen, Atropine, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, Chlorpropamide, Glucocorticoids: May interact with this preparation
Food interactions

No food-related restrictions (topical application).

Use in pregnancy

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Should not be used for prolonged periods in pregnant patients.

Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether the components are excreted in human milk. Caution is advised in nursing mothers.

Pediatric use

Pediatric dosage should be limited to 5 days.

Geriatric use

No dose adjustment needed for elderly patients, but caution is advised.

Renal / hepatic impairment

No dose adjustment needed for patients with renal or hepatic impairment, but caution is advised.

Overdose effects

Overuse may cause local irritation or systemic corticosteroid effects. Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Common questions

What is Betamethasone + Salicylic Acid ointment used for?
It is used for the treatment of inflammatory, dry and scaly skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.
How should it be used?
Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily. Shake well before use. Avoid contact with eyes.
What are the side effects?
Application site burning, itching, redness, dryness, and thinning of skin may occur.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
Consult your doctor before use during pregnancy.
Who should not use this medicine?
Patients allergic to any component, those with tuberculosis, viral/bacterial/fungal skin infections should not use it.
How long should it be used?
Usually applied twice daily for two weeks. In children, limited to 5 days.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.