What is betamethasone?
Betamethasone is a powerful steroid that inhibits the release of substances within the body that trigger inflammation. Topical betamethasone (for the face) helps treat the irritation and itching caused by a range of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Betamethasone topical can be found in gel, cream lotion, ointment, spray, or foam. Betamethasone-based topical formulations are generally composed of one of two salts: betamethasone dipropionate or betamethasone valerate. The effectiveness of betamethasone formulations may differ depending on the salt employed (dipropionate or valerate). Betamethasone dipropionate is a mixture of two esters. This makes it more fat-soluble and helps it penetrate the skin more easily. This increases its potency over betamethasone valerate, which has only one ester.
The absorption and strength of topical steroids can be affected by the device used to deliver the drug (such as cream, gel, lotion, or an ointment) and whether it has been enhanced or not. Augmentation is the process of enhancing the effectiveness of a product with a chemical like propylene glycol to enable it to get into the skin faster and work more effectively. For example, the augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05 percent gel or ointment is classified as a Class 1 (highly powerful) topical steroid. However, the cream or lotion augmented as well as the standard betamethasone dipropionate ointment are classified as Class 2.
Warnings
Do not take betamethasone for longer than you are instructed to by your physician. Take care when applying it to a large portion of your skin. Consult your physician.Don't use it to treat redness or diaper rash. Do not apply betamethasone cream, gel, lotion, ointment, spray, or foam to the area of the diaper.
Different brands of betamethasone could be suitable for different age groups of children. Consult with your doctor prior to applying betamethasone cream, gel, lotion, ointment spray, or foam to the child.If you are nursing, don't apply betamethasone cream, gel foam, ointment, or spray to the nipple or any area close to it.Betamethasone can increase the risk of glaucoma or cataracts. Discuss this with your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Betamethasone is not a good option when you have a reaction to it. To ensure that betamethasone is suitable for you, ask your doctor if you have previously had:
- Skin irritation after using steroid medicine.
- Thinning of the skin, where you'll apply betamethasone.
- The cataracts, or the glaucoma.
- Diabetes.
- Liver disease.
- Adrenal glands.
- Any kind of skin disease.
It is not clear if this medication could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are expecting. It is not recommended to breastfeed your baby when you are taking this medication. Discuss the risks with your doctor. In the event that you use betamethasone on your chest, stay clear of any areas that might come into contact with your baby's mouth. Do not administer betamethasone to children without consulting a physician. Children can absorb more of the medicine through their skin and be more susceptible to negative side effects. Diprolene is not permitted for use by anyone younger than 13. Sernivo and Luxiq are not suitable for those older than 18.
How to take betamethasone?
Apply betamethasone cream or gel, ointment or foam, lotion, or spray exactly according to the prescription of your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Do not consume by mouth. Topical medicine should be used exclusively on your skin. Avoid using on open wounds, sunburned, windburned, or inflamed skin. Rinse the area with water if the medicine is absorbed into your mouth or eyes. Take note of and follow the instructions for use that are included in your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist for clarification if you are unsure of these directions.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medication, except if you are taking the medicine to treat skin problems in your hands. Use a tiny amount on the area affected and massage it gently into the skin. Don't apply betamethasone cream, gel lotion, ointment, or spray over the entire skin. Don't cover the treated skin area unless your physician advises you to. Covering the treated area could increase the amount of medication absorbed by your skin and result in harmful side effects. Utilize betamethasone frequently to reap the greatest benefits. Take off the medication once your symptoms have gone away.
Consult your physician if your skin condition doesn't improve after two weeks or becomes worse. Do not use diprolene for more than two weeks in a row. Don't take Sernivo and Luxiq for more than four weeks. Keep at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. It is important to note that the foam can be easily flammable. Beware of using it near extreme temperatures or in open flames. Don't smoke after the foam has dried on your skin.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:
Cream, gel, or ointment:
- Apply a thin layer of the film topically to the area affected 2-3 times per day.
- Lotion or foam: apply it topically twice per day (morning and evening).
Comments: The treatment should be stopped after control has been achieved. If no improvement is observed within two weeks, a reassessment might be necessary. Occlusive dressings should never be used unless prescribed by a medical professional.
Use: Relieve inflammation and pruritus associated with corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:
Spray: Apply topically to the areas of the skin daily. Rub gently. The duration of treatment can be up to 4 weeks.
Comments: Do not stop treatment until control has been attained; treatment that extends for more than 4 weeks isn't advised.
Use: To treat moderate to mild plaque psoriasis.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis:
Age 12 or over: Every single day, apply a thin film of gel, cream, or ointment directly to the area affected.
Lotion or foam: apply it topically twice per day (morning and evening).
Comments: The treatment should be stopped once control is achieved. If no improvement is observed within two weeks, a reassessment might be necessary. Occlusive dressings should never be used unless prescribed by a medical professional. Topical corticosteroids for children are recommended at a dose that is least suitable for a successful treatment regimen. Corticosteroid therapy that is prolonged can interfere with the development and growth of children.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you can; however, avoid the missed dose if you think it is close to time for the next dose. Don't apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 in the event that anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine. In the long run, high doses of steroids can cause the skin to become thinner, bruising easily, and changes in the body's fat (especially on the neck, face, back, waist, and face), as well as an increase in facial acne or menstrual issues, facial hair, impotence, or a decrease in attraction to sexual activities.
What should be avoided?
Do not take betamethasone into your eyes. If contact does occur, wash your eyes with water. Be careful not to apply betamethasone to the area of skin on your underarms, face, or groin without a prescription from your physician. Betamethasone should not be used to treat any illness that hasn't been examined by your physician.
Adverse effects of Betamethasone
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you exhibit symptoms of an allergy reaction to betamethasone, Hives, breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue Stop taking betamethasone and contact your doctor right away if you are suffering from:
- An extreme skin irritation after the medication was applied.
- Symptoms of skin infections (swelling or redness, heat, or oozing).
Your skin may absorb some of the steroid medication that is applied to it, which could cause adverse steroid effects throughout your body. Stop taking betamethasone and contact your doctor if you suffer from:
- Blurred vision blurred vision, pain in the eyes, or seeing halos of light sources.
- Slow wound healing time, thinning skin, more body hair.
- An increase in thirst or urination; a dry mouth; the odor of fruity breath.
- Fat gain, puffy eyes on your face.
- Muscle weakness and fatigue feeling tired, depression, anxiety, and anger.
Steroids can affect growth in children. Inform your doctor that your child isn't growing as normal when taking this medication.
Side effects include:
- Burning, itching, redness, blistering, or stinging of the treated skin.
- The appearance of shiny or bruised skin.
- Folliculitis (redness or the appearance of a crust around your hair's follicles).
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
The skin care treatment will not be affected by other medicines that you are taking. However, there are many drugs that interact with each other. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medications you take, including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbs.
Betamethasone's potency is a factor in betamethasone formulations.
Class 1 (highly potent)
- The betamethasone dipropionate is augmented. 0.05 percent ointment.
- The betamethasone dipropionate is augmented to 0.05 percent gel.
Class 2 (potent)
- Supplemented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05 percent lotion.
- Betamethasone dipropionate is a reformulated 0.05 percent cream (0.05 percent).
- Regular betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment.
Class 3 (upper medium power)
- Regular betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05%.
Classes 4, 5, and 6 (medium capacity)
- Betamethasone foam, 0.12 percent
- Regular betamethasone dipropionate spray 0.05%
