betamethasone topical

Action and Spectrum

Corticosteroids can directly bind to leukocyte lysosomal membrane and prevent any breakup of membranes and subsequent release of destructive action of acid hydrolases. They also inhibit accumulation of macrophages in the inflamed site, reduce adhesion of leukocyte to capillary endothelium thus reducing capillary permeability and edema formation. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Not Defined  

Allergic dermatitis  

Striae  

Burning  

Skin atrophy  

Erythema folliculitis  

Dry skin  

Hypertrichosis  

Miliaria  

Irritation  

Vesiculation  

Pigmentation changes  

Acneform lesions  

Black Box Warning

Prolonged use of these medications can lead to skin atrophy, striae (stretch marks), telangiectasia (dilated blood vessels) and acne 

Contraindication / Caution

Hypersensitivity 

Skin infections 

Acne 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy/Lactation 

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms but despite the potential risk and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category  

Pharmacology

It works by inhibiting the inflammatory cytokines which thereby reduces the inflammation and used to treat skin conditions. 

Pharmacodynamics 

It has anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effect 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption  

When applied topically it is absorbed evenly 

Distribution  

It is widely distributed throughout the body 

Metabolism  

It undergoes hepatic metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme. Metabolites are excreted in the urine and feces.  

Elimination and Excretion  

It undergoes excretion through kidney and has a half-life of 36 to 54 hours. 

Adminstartion

It is administered topically in the form of ointment and lotions 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet 

Generic Name: betamethasone topical 

Why do we use betamethasone topical? 

Topical betamethasone is an active compound belonging to the corticosteroid class with anti-inflammatory action that can be applied for the treatment of several skin diseases. Here are the primary uses of betamethasone topical: 

Psoriasis: Helps to minimize pain, swelling, redness and scaling which accompany plaque-type psoriasis. 

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Helps to relieve itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin during flare-ups of eczema. 

Contact Dermatitis: Effectively manages symptoms of skin rash which maybe caused by allergens or irritants. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Used in the management of seborrheic dermatitis especially in the scalp and facial areas.