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Medicine for Skin: Betamethasone Dipropionate

A Topical Medication in the Form of a Steroid

Oct 19, 2009 Jennifer Graham

Betamethasone dipropionate is prescribed to treat a variety of skin conditions, though as with any steroid, caution should be used.

At room temperature, betamethasone dipropionate is a white or creamy white powder. Betamethasone dipropionate is a synthetic corticosteroid and similar in structure to the steroid, prednisolone. Betamethasone dipropionate is a topical corticosteroid and they are generally prescribed to provide relief from inflammation and itching.

Uses for Betamethasone Dipropionate

Betamethasone dipropionate is used as an anti-inflammatory or an anti-pruritic (anti-itch) medication. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, betamethasone “…is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions.” It is normally prescribed to persons 13 years and older.

How Betamethasone Diprionate is Supplied

Betamethasone dipropionate can be contained in cream, lotion, ointment, gel and aerosol sprays. When it is the sole active ingredient, it is typically supplied at a concentration of 0.05%. Some brand names for betamethasone dipropionate products are:

Diprolene
Alphatrex
Diprosone

Side Effects of Betamethasone Dipropionate

The most common reaction that maybe related to betamethasone dipropionate use is stinging around the area of contact. Other skin related problems may develop. Some of these side effects are: skin discoloration, burning, itching, acne and dry skin. More side effects that could occur, though infrequent, include rash, allergic reaction, secondary infections and skin atrophy.

As with triamcinolone acetonide, the reversible condition called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression may occur when too much corticosteroid is absorbed. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and glucosuria (high glucose levels in the urine) can also occur when too much topical corticosteroid is absorbed by the body. Obesity and weakening of the muscles are symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

Precautions When using Betamethasone Dipropionate

Though no studies have proven or disproven the effects of corticosteroids on pregnant women, they are advised to use caution since the possibility exists that the steroid might reach the fetus. Women nursing infants should use the same caution.

Children may be more susceptible to HPA axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome since their body weight is so much lower than adults. The least amount of steroid that is effective should be used with children. Air-tight dressings should also be avoided when using corticosteroids with children.

People with allergies to corticosteroids should have caution when using topical betamethasone dipropionate. Contact with the eyes should be avoided when using corticosteroids. Also, using betamethasone dipropionate in conjunction with other corticosteroids may increase systemic, or body-wide absorption and should be avoided.

As with all prescription medication, use as directed by your doctor.

Source:

RxList.com

The copyright of the article Medicine for Skin: Betamethasone Dipropionate in General Medicine is owned by Jennifer Graham. Permission to republish Medicine for Skin: Betamethasone Dipropionate in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Topical Medication