Betamethasone Valerate topical

A synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid.101 102 103 104 105 106 108 112 113 114 115 116 117 b

Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses

Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.101 102 104 106 105 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114

Generally most effective in acute or chronic dermatoses (e.g., seborrheic or atopic dermatitis, localized neurodermatitis, anogenital pruritus, psoriasis, late phase of allergic contact dermatitis, inflammatory phase of xerosis).e

Topical therapy generally preferred over systemic therapy; fewer associated adverse systemic effects.e

Topical therapy generally only controls manifestations of dermatoses; eliminate cause if possible.e

Topical efficacy may be increased by using a higher concentration or occlusive dressing therapy.e (See Administration with Occlusive Dressing under Dosage and Administration.)

Response may vary from one topical corticosteroid preparation to another.e

Anti-inflammatory activity may vary considerably depending on the vehicle, drug concentration, site of application, disease, and individual patient.e

Cream and lotion (0.05% betamethasone dipropionate; 0.1% betamethasone valerate) are considered to have medium-range potency.101 103

Foam (0.12% betamethasone valerate) is considered to have medium-range potency.108

Ointment (0.05% betamethasone dipropionate) is considered to have high-range potency.102

Cream, lotion, and ointment (0.05% betamethasone dipropionate) in optimized (augmented) vehicle are considered to have high-range potency.104 106 b

Fixed-combination cream or lotion containing betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% and clotrimazole 1% is considered to have high-range potency.115

Gel (0.05% betamethasone dipropionate) in optimized (augmented) vehicle is considered to have super-high range potency.104

Inflammatory Tinea Pedis, Tinea Cruris, or Tinea Corporis

Used in fixed combination with clotrimazole in the treatment of symptomatic inflammatory tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis caused by Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum, and T. mentagrophytes.115

Safety and efficacy of topical betamethasone preparations in fixed combination with clotrimazole for the treatment of infections caused by zoophilic dermatophytes (e.g., Microsporum canis) have not been established.115

Treatment failure of topical betamethasone preparations in fixed combination with clotrimazole in the treatment of M. canis infections has been reported.115

Psoriasis

Used in fixed combination with calcipotriene for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) in adults.116

Used in fixed combination with calcipotriene for the topical treatment of chronic, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) of the scalp in adults.117

Before using betamethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, a lowered immune system.

Do not use this medication if you have a scalp infection. Corticosteroids can make skin infections worse and more difficult to treat. Tell your doctor if you have a skin infection so it can be treated. Tell your doctor promptly if your condition does not improve or if you have worsening skin symptoms.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Though it is unlikely, this medication may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. The effect on final adult height is unknown. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.