Luxiq Medical Drug

Medical Drugs > Other

Description

Betamethasone is a moderately potent glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Unlike other drugs with these effects, betamethasone does not cause water retention. It is applied as a topical cream, ointment, foam, lotion or gel to treat itching (e.g. from eczema). Betamethasone sodium phosphate is sometimes prescribed as an intramuscular injection (I.M) for itching from various ailments including allergic reactions to poison ivy and similar plants.

The compound is available as a number of ester derivatives: Dipropionate (branded as Diprosone, Diprolene and others), Sodium Phosphate and Valerate (branded as Betnovate, Celestone and others). In the United States and Canada, Betamethasone is mixed with Clotrimazole and sold as Lotrisone.

Indications

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used to stimulate fetal lung maturation, and to decrease the incidence and mortality from intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants.

It is also used as a topical cream to relieve skin irritation. The tablet form, available in Japan, eradicates eczematous rash within 24 hours, far more rapidly than the ointment.

0.05% Betamethasone cream appears effective in treating phimosis in boys, and often averts the need for circumcision.

Betamethasone sodium phosphate is used orally and via injection with the same indications as other steroids.

Betamethasone Dipropionate and Salicylic Acid can be used as a treatment for Local Psoriasis.

Fetal risk

As it crosses the placenta, which is required for its beneficial effects, it may also be associated with complications, such as hypoglycemia and leucocytosis in newborns exposed in utero.

Notes

While betamethasone is commonly applied topically to treat skin inflammation, persistent application of large quantities may result in a more severe rebound inflammation when the medication is withdrawn, sometimes called "Betnovate face".