Generic
Betamethasone Valerate
20 brands available in the market
At a glance
Betamethasone Valerate 0.01% Topical is a mild-potency corticosteroid cream/ointment used for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus, prurigo nodularis, and seborrhoic dermatitis.
Description
Betamethasone Valerate 0.01% Topical is a mild-potency corticosteroid cream/ointment used for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. Betamethasone Valerate BP is a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid, which is glucocorticoid in nature. It is an analog of prednisolone that also possesses a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity.
Due to its anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive activity, it is very effective and suitable for dermatological use. It is absorbed from the skin and inflammation and/or another disease process in the skin increase percutaneous absorption from the skin. Occlusive dressings substantially increase its percutaneous absorption.
Indications
- Eczema in children and adults (including atopic)
- Infantile and discoid eczema
- Prurigo nodularis
- Psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis)
- Neurodermatoses (including lichen simplex and lichen planus)
- Seborrhoic dermatitis
- Contact sensitivity reaction
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Adjunct to systemic steroid therapy in generalized erythroderma
Therapeutic class
Corticosteroid
Pharmacological class
Glucocorticoid (Mild Potency)
Pharmacology
Betamethasone Valerate is a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid with glucocorticoid activity. It is an analog of prednisolone with slight mineralocorticoid activity. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive activity, it is very effective for dermatological use. It is absorbed from the skin; inflammation and other disease processes increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase percutaneous absorption.
Mechanism of action
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid with mainly glucocorticoid activity. It prevents and controls inflammation by controlling the rate of protein synthesis, depressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts, and reversing capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilisation.
Dosage
Adults and Children: Apply sparingly to the affected area 2-3 times daily until improvement occurs, then twice daily or less. The usual maximum duration of therapy is 3 weeks.
Cream for moist skin and ointment for dry skin surfaces.
Administration
For topical use only. Clean and dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of cream/ointment. Wash hands after application. Avoid contact with eyes. Use for less than 2 weeks to reduce local and systemic side effects. Use low potency for chronic therapy. Avoid medium to high potency corticosteroids on face, folds, and groin (these areas can increase steroid absorption).
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Local adverse reactions (more common with high doses, long-term use, and occlusive dressings):
Dermal atrophy, local irritation, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, burning, dry skin, pigmentation changes, telangiectasia, striae, features of hypercorticolism, secondary infection, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, acneform eruption, exacerbation of symptoms.
Precautions & warnings
- Betamethasone Cream/Ointment is usually well tolerated, but if signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should be stopped.
- Avoid long-term continuous topical therapy where possible, particularly in children (adrenal suppression may occur even without occlusion).
- When extensive areas are treated, sufficient systemic absorption may occur to produce symptoms of hypercorticolism (more likely with occlusive dressings or prolonged treatment).
- The face or other areas may exhibit atrophic changes after prolonged treatment.
- If applied to the eyelids, care is needed to ensure the preparation does not enter the eye (glaucoma might result).
- Caution in uncontrolled diabetes, peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, psychosis, psychoneurosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension, epilepsy, CRF, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, ocular herpes simplex, ulcerative colitis.
- Any spread of infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredient
- Rosacea and acne vulgaris
- Perioral dermatitis, perianal and genital pruritus
- Viral skin infections (e.g., herpes simplex and chicken pox)
- Primary infected skin lesions caused by fungi or bacteria
- Dermatoses in children under one year of age
- Systemic fungal infections
Drug interactions
No significant drug interactions reported with Betamethasone Cream/Ointment.
Food interactions
No food-related restrictions (topical application).
Use in pregnancy
There are no available data on ointment use in pregnant women. Observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birthweight infants with the use of >300 grams of potent topical corticosteroids during pregnancy. Use on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible. In animal studies (pregnant rabbits), increased malformations including umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate were observed after intramuscular administration.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
There are no data regarding the presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production. It is not known whether topical corticosteroid use could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply ointment directly to nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure. Use on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible.
Pediatric use
Use lower potency corticosteroids for children (increased BSA/kg, therefore increased systemic absorption). Contraindicated in dermatoses in children under one year of age. Chronic topical corticosteroid therapy may interfere with growth and development in children.
Geriatric use
Regular monitoring required for elderly patients on long-term therapy.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Caution advised in patients with liver and kidney impairment (minimal systemic absorption with topical use, but caution with long-term and extensive use).
Overdose effects
Overuse or long-term use may cause hypercorticolism, HPA axis suppression, and systemic corticosteroid effects. Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Betamethasone Valerate 0.01%