Betamethasone Ointment /Lotion

Indications & Dose:

Inflammatory manifestations or hyperkeratotic and dry corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses which include psoriasis, chronic atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

DOSAGE:

Adults, Elderly and Children over 1 year: Lotions are especially appropriate for treatment of hairy areas or when a minimal application to a large area is required. Apply thinly and gently rub in using only enough to cover the entire affected area once or twice daily for up to 4 weeks until improvement occurs, then reduce the frequency of applicaion or change the treament to a less potent preparation. Allow adequate time for absorption after each application before applying an emollient. In the more resistant lesions, such as the thickened plaques of psoriasis on elbows and knees, the effect of BETONIL can be enhanced, if necessary, by occluding the treatment area with polythene film. Overnight occlusion only is usually adequate to bring about a satisfactory response in such lesions; thereafter, improvement can usually be maintained by regular application without occlusion. Atopic dermatitis (eczema): Therapy with BETONIL should be gradually discontinued once control is achieved and an emollient continued as maintenance therapy. Rebound of pre-existing dermatoses can occur with abrupt discontinuation of BETONIL. reclcitrant dermatoses: Patients whoe frequently relapse: Once an acute episode has been treated effectively with a continuous course of topical corticosteroid, intermittent dosing (once daily, twice weekly, without occlusion) may be considered. This has been shown to be helpful in reducing the frequency of relapse. The condition and the benefits and risks of continued treatment must be re-evaluated on a regular basis.

Children: BETONIL is contraindicated in children under one year of age.

Elderly: Renal / Hepatic Impairment: In case of systemic absorption (when application is over a large surface area for a prolonged period) metabolism and elimination may be delayed therefore increasing the risk of systemic toxicity. Therefore the minimum quantity should be used forthe shortest duration to achieve the desired clinical benefit.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to betamethasone dipropionate, other corticosteroids, salicylic acid, or other salicylates, or any component in the base. Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in most viral infections of the skin and also tuberculosis and acne rosacea.

Side Effects:

Cautions:

Precautions:

Discontinue use if irritation, sensitivity, excessive dryness or other reactions develop. In the presence of infection appropriate treatment should be given. Corticosteroids applied topically can be absorbed in sufficient amount to produce systemic effects like adrenal suppression, manifestation of CushingÕs syndrome, hyperglycemia and glucosuria in some patients, particularly in infants and children. Salicylic acid in preparations applied to the skin can also be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce salicylism. Therefore suitable precautions must be taken with Beprosalic Ointment during prolonged treatment, when treating extensive body surface areas, when using the occlusive technique and when and when treating children (because of a larger skin surface area to bodyweight ratio). Suitable precautions must be taken when treating stasis dermatitis and other skin diseases with impaired circulation

Interaction:

 Not known.

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliria. Salicylic acid preparations may cause dermatitis

Patient And Carer Advice: