Betamethasone Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 17, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis

Cream, gel, ointment: Apply a thin film topically to the affected area 1 or 2 times a day
Foam, lotion: Apply topically twice a day (morning and night)

Comments:

• Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment may be necessary.
• Occlusive dressings should not be used unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis

Spray:

• Apply topically to affected skin areas twice a day; rub in gently

Duration of Treatment: Up to 4 weeks

Comments:

• Discontinue therapy when control is achieved; treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended.

Use: For the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis

12 years or older:
Cream, gel, ointment: Apply a thin film topically to the affected area 1 or 2 times a day
Foam, lotion: Apply topically twice a day (morning and night)

Comments:

• Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment may be necessary.
• Occlusive dressings should not be used unless directed by a healthcare provider.
• Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of children.

Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to active substance, other corticosteroids, or any product excipients

Safety and efficacy of betamethasone dipropionate have not been established in patients younger than 12 years.
Safety and efficacy of spray have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For topical use only; wash hands after each application
• Avoid contact with the eyes
• Do not apply to face, axilla, groin, or if skin atrophy is present at treatment site
• The treated area should not be bandaged, covered, or wrapped, as to be occlusive, unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Ointment, Cream, Lotion, Gel

• Apply a thin layer topically to affected skin
• Lotion, gel: Massage lightly until it disappears
• Treatment should not exceed 50 g/week (ointment, cream, gel)

Spray:

• Shake well before use; apply topically to affected skin and rub in gently
• Discard spray 4 weeks after opening

Foam:

• Invert can and dispense small amount onto cool surface; do not dispense directly into hands as foam will begin to melt upon contact with warm skin
• Pick up small amounts of foam with fingers and gently massage into affected area on scalp until foam disappears; repeat until entire affected scalp area is treated.

Storage Requirements:

• Protect from light
• Some products are flammable (e.g. foam): Keep away from open fires and flames and all sources of ignition including smoking during application and immediately after use.

General:

• Pediatric patients may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and therefore be more susceptible to systemic toxicity; chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with a child's growth and development.

Monitoring:

• Endocrine: Monitor HPA axis suppression (Urinary free-cortisol test, ACTH-stimulation test) as clinically indicated

Patient advice:

• Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
• Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially those that develop under occlusive dressings.
• Patients should be instructed to report any visual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer