Betamethasone Topical Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 18, 2023.
Applies to the following strengths: benzoate 0.025%; dipropionate 0.05%; valerate 0.1%; dipropionate 0.1%; dipropionate, augmented 0.05%; 0.12%
Usual Adult Dose for:
Usual Pediatric Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
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
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.
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Professional resources
- Betamethasone, Betamethasone Benzoate, Betamethasone Dipropionate, Betamethasone Valerate (Topical) monograph
- Betamethasone (FDA)
- Betamethasone Cream (FDA)
- Betamethasone Cream Augmented (FDA)
- Betamethasone Dipropionate (FDA)
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Diprolene, Sernivo, Diprolene AF
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.