Betameson0.05%

Betameson 0.05% cream and ointment isindicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of resistant or severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. These include- Atopic eczema Nummular eczema Contact dermatitis Neurodermatitis Anogenital and senile pruritus Lichen planus Psoriasis

Corticosteroid

Betameson 0.05% is a potent topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids have antiinflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions when administered. Betamethasone acts by inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity and reduces the formation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in local tissues.

Apply a thin film once or twice daily to cover completely the affected area. Patients with chronic psoriasis who have achieved at least a marked improvement in their psoriatic lesion (i.e., approximately 80% improvement) with Betameson 0.05% may be maintained in remission with a pulse dosing regimen consisting of three consecutive applications of up to 3.5 g each of Betameson 0.05% cream and ointment, twelve hours apart (e.g., morning, evening, following morning) to the previously affected areas once each week. For this purpose, Betameson 0.05% cream and ointment should be applied to the lesion sites previously affected and treated. Patients on this pulse dose regimen who relapse should be reverted back to the conventional dosing regimen.

Apply a thin film once or twice daily to cover completely the affected area. Patients with chronic psoriasis who have achieved at least a marked improvement in their psoriatic lesion (i.e., approximately 80% improvement) with Betameson 0.05% may be maintained in remission with a pulse dosing regimen consisting of three consecutive applications of up to 3.5 g each of Betameson 0.05% cream and ointment, twelve hours apart (e.g., morning, evening, following morning) to the previously affected areas once each week. For this purpose, Betameson 0.05% cream and ointment should be applied to the lesion sites previously affected and treated. Patients on this pulse dose regimen who relapse should be reverted back to the conventional dosing regimen.

There is no evidence of any kind of interaction.

Hypersensitivity to Betameson 0.05%, other corticosteroids or any components in this preparation. Like other topical corticosteroids, Betameson 0.05% is contraindicated in viral infections of the skin, such as vaccinia, varicella and Herpes simplex, also tuberculosis, acne rosacea, fungal skin infections (moniliasis), perioral dermatitis and ulcerative conditions.

The most frequent side effects reported with Betameson 0.05% are mild to moderate transient burning/stinging, dry skin, pruritus, irritation and folliculitis. Rarely reported adverse effects include tingling, prickly skin/tightening or cracking of skin, warm feeling,laminar scaling and perilesional scaling,follicular rash, skin atrophy, erythema, urticaria, vesiculation, telangiectasia, acneiform papules and hyperaesthesia.Adverse reactions reported with the use of the Betameson 0.05% ointment pulse dose regimen were mild intermittent hypertension and paraesthesia. Other local adverse reactions that have been reported with the use of topical corticosteroids include: itching, hypertrichosis, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, striae, miliaria and exacerbation of untreated infections

Betameson 0.05% should not be used in or near the eyes, as there is a potential risk of developing glaucoma and cataract. If irritation or sensitisation develops with the use of Betameson 0.05%, treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. In the presence of an infection, an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be administered. If a favourable response does not occur promptly, Betameson 0.05% should be discontinued until the infection has been controlled adequately. Corticosteroids are known to be absorbed percutaneously, therefore in patients under prolonged and extensive topical treatment, the possibility of systemic effects should be kept in mind. Betameson 0.05% is not intended for use under occlusive dressings since this will also increase systemic absorption of the corticosteroid. In infants the napkin may act as an occlusive dressing and increase absorption. Suitable precautions should be taken when using topical corticosteroids in patients with stasis dermatitis and other skin diseases with impaired circulation. Prolonged use of topical corticosteroid preparations may produce striae or atrophy of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. If this occurs, treatment should be discontinued.

Acute overdose with the ointment is unlikely and would not be expected to lead to a life-threatening situation. The ointment should not be used for longer than the prescribed time period.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Corticosteroid

Betameson 0.05% is a topical corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties. Betameson 0.05% induces peptides called lipocortins. Lipocortins antagonize phospholipase A2, an enzyme that causes the breakdown of leukocyte lysosomal membranes to release arachidonic acid. This action decreases the subsequent formation and release of endogenous inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins, kinins, histamine. Pharmacokinetics: Betameson 0.05% can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver.lt excreted by the kidneys.