BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE

Betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) contains betamethasone dipropionate USP, a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid, for topical use. Betamethasone, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of corticosteroid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity. Betamethasone dipropionate is the 17, 21-dipropionate ester of betamethasone. Chemically, betamethasone dipropionate is 9-fluoro-11β, 17, 21- trihydroxy- 16β-methylpregna-1,4- diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate, with the empirical formula C 28 H 37 FO 7 , a molecular weight of 504.6 and the following structural formula: It is a white to creamy-white, odorless powder insoluble in water; freely soluble in acetone and in chloroform; sparingly soluble in alcohol. Each gram of betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) 0.05% contains 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate USP (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone), in a colorless, clear to translucent lotion base of hydroxypropyl cellulose; isopropyl alcohol (30%); phosphoric acid used to adjust the pH; propylene glycol; purified water; and sodium phosphate monobasic anhydrous. structural formula

Betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age or older. Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age and older. ( 1 )

Apply a few drops of betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) to the affected skin areas once or twice daily and massage lightly until the lotion disappears. Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) is a super-high-potency topical corticosteroid. Treatment with betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks and amounts should not exceed 50 mL per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [ see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) ]. Betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician . Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after each application. Betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) is for topical use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Apply a few drops to the affected skin areas once or twice daily and massage lightly until the lotion disappears. ( 2 ) Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. ( 2 ) Limit therapy to no more than 2 consecutive weeks. ( 2 ) Use no more than 50 mL per week. ( 2 ) Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. ( 2 ) Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. ( 2 ) Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )

Betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented), 0.05% is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone dipropionate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation. Hypersensitivity to any component of this medicine. ( 4 )

AD VERSE REACTIONS 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In controlled clinical trials, adverse reactions associated with the use of betamethasone dipropionate lotion (augmented) reported at a frequency of less than 1% included erythema, folliculitis, pruritus, and vesiculation. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Postmarketing reports for local adverse reactions to topical corticosteroids may also include: skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, irritation, dryness, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, hypertrichosis, and miliaria. Hypersensitivity reactions, consisting of predominantly skin signs and symptoms, e.g., contact dermatitis, pruritus, bullous dermatitis, and erythematous rash have been reported. Ophthalmic adverse reactions of cataracts, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with the use of topical corticosteroids, including topical betamethasone products.