Betamethasone Topical

Betamethasone Topical is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of plaque psoriasis and steroid-responsive dermatoses.

• Betamethasone Topical is available under the following different brand names: Diprolene, Luxiq, Dermabet, Alphatrex, Diprolene AF, Diprolene Glycol, Diprosone, Valnac, BetaVal, Sernivo

Adult and pediatric dosage

Cream/lotion/ointment

• 0.05%
• 0.1%

Gel

• 0.05%

Foam

• 0.12% (Luxiq)

Spray

• 0.05% (Sernivo)

Plaque Psoriasis

Adult dosage

• Sernivo spray: Apply to the affected area(s) every 12 hours
• Steroid-Responsive Dermatoses

Adult dosage

• Apply ointment/cream/lotion/gel (betamethasone dipropionate) once daily or every 12 hours
• Apply ointment (betamethasone valerate) once daily or every 8 hours
• Luxiq: Apply foam to scalp every 12 hours

Pediatric dosage

• Apply ointment/cream/lotion/gel (betamethasone dipropionate) once daily or every 12 hours
• Apply ointment (betamethasone valerate) once daily or every 8 hours
• Inflammatory Conditions

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 12 years: Not recommended
• Children above 12 years: Apply to the affected area every 12 hours (low or medium potency)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Betamethasone Topical include:

• burning, itching, irritation, or dryness at the application site.

Serious side effects of Betamethasone Topical include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• stretch marks,
• skin thinning or discoloration,
• acne,
• extreme or unwanted hair growth,
• hair bumps (folliculitis),
• unusual or extreme tiredness,
• weight loss,
• headache,
• swelling of the ankles or feet,
• increased thirst or urination,
• vision problems,
• rash,
• itching, and
• severe dizziness.

Rare side effects of Betamethasone Topical include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Betamethasone Topical has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Betamethasone Topical has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Betamethasone Topical has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Betamethasone Topical has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs. 

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Underlying infection present
• Hypersensitivity
• Ophthalmic use

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Betamethasone Topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Betamethasone Topical?”

Cautions

• Chronic topical corticosteroid therapy may interfere with growth and development in children
• Prolonged treatment with corticosteroids is associated with Kaposi sarcoma (consider discontinuation of therapy if diagnosed)
• Discontinue if contact dermatitis occurs; not for use in patients with decreased skin circulation
• Manifestations of Cushing syndrome, hyperglycemia, or glycosuria occur, especially if occlusive dressings are used
• May increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma; cataracts and glaucoma reported postmarketing with the use of topical corticosteroid products, including ointment
• Use may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma; avoid contact with eyes; advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There are no available data on ointment use in pregnant women to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birth weight in infants with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy; advise pregnant women that the ointment may increase risk of having a low birth weight infant and use it on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible
• Lactation
  • There are no data regarding the presence of the drugs in human milk, effects on the breastfed infant, or milk production after topical ointment application to women who are breastfeeding
  • It is possible that topical administration of betamethasone dipropionate could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk; the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant drug or from the underlying maternal condition
  • To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding; Advise breastfeeding women not to apply ointment directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure