BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment contains betamethasone dipropionate USP, a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid, for dermatologic use. Betamethasone, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of glucocorticoid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity. Betamethasone dipropionate is a white to cream white odorless crystalline powder insoluble in water. Chemically, it is 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21- dipropionate. The structural formula is: Each gram of the 0.05% ointment contains 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in an ointment base of mineral oil and white petrolatum.

: Topical corticosteroids are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

: Apply a thin film of betamethasone dipropionate ointment to the affected skin areas once daily. In some cases, twice daily dosage may be necessary. If an infection develops, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted. Betamethasone dipropionate ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings.

: Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently when betamethasone dipropionate products are used as recommended in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infections, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia and glucosuria in some patients.