Indication

Lichen planus, Psoriasis, Eczema, Contact dermatitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Lichen simplex, Prurigo nodularis, Plaque psoriasis.

Administration

Topical Administration\r\nUse medium to very high potency for less than 2 weeks to reduce local and systemic side effects\r\n\r\nUse low potency for chronic therapy\r\n\r\nAvoid medium to very high potency on face, folds, and groin, because use in these areas can increase steroid absorption\r\n\r\nUse lower potency for children (ie, increased BSA/kg, therefore increased systemic absorption)

Adult Dose

As valerate: Apply sparingly 2-3 times daily. \r\nCream for moist & ointment for dry surface.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity; systemic fungal or acute infections.

Mode 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.

Precaution

Uncontrolled diabetes, peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, psychosis, psychoneurosis, pregnancy and lactation. Congestive heart failure, hypertension, epilepsy, CRF, elderly, regular monitoring of patients on long term therapy, withdraw gradually, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, ocular herpes simplex, ulcerative colitis, infants and children.\r\n\r\nLactation: It is not known whether topical corticosteroid use could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk; use with caution.

Side Effect

Dermal atrophy, local irritation, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, burning, dry skin, pigmentation changes.

Pregnancy Category Note

$4e