Beta-C

Betamethasone (Beta-C) valerate is an active topical corticosteroid which produces a rapid response in those inflammatory dermatoses that are normally responsive to topical corticosteroid therapy, and is often effective in the less responsive conditions such as psoriasis. Clioquinol (Beta-C) is an anti-infective agent which has both antibacterial and anticandidal activity. Beta-C preparations are indicated for the treatment of the following conditions where secondary bacterial and/or fungal infection is present, suspected, or likely to occur: eczema in children and adults, including atopic and discoid eczemas, prurigo nodularis; psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis); neurodermatoses; seborrhoeic dermatitis; contact sensitivity reactions and discoid lupus erythematosus. Beta-C can also be used in the management of secondary infected insect bites and anal and genital intertrigo. Beta-C ointment is often appropriate for dry, lichenified or scaly lesions, but this is not invariably so.

A thin film applied to cover affected area bid.

Rosacea, acne vulgaris and perioral dermatitis. Primary cutaneous viral infections (e.g. herpes simplex, chickenpox). Hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation or to iodine.

Use of Beta-C skin preparations is not indicated in the treatment of primary infected skin lesions caused by infection with fungi (e.g. candidiasis, tinea); or bacteria (e.g. impetigo); primary or secondary, infections due to yeast; perianal or genital pruritus; dermatoses in children under 1 years of age, including dermatitis and napkin eruptions.

There are no significant interactions reported with this medicine. However, with long-term use on large areas of skin there may be sufficient amounts of the active ingredients absorbed into the body to affect other medicines that you are taking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Prolonged and intensive treatment with highly active corticosteroid preparations may cause local atrophic changes in the skin such as thinning, striae, and dilatation of the superficial blood vessels, particularly when occlusive dressings are used or when skin folds are involved.

As with other topical corticosteroids, prolonged use of large amounts or treatment of extensive areas can result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce suppression of the HPA axis and the clinical features of Cushing’s syndrome. These effects are more likely to occur in infants and children, and if occlusive dressings are used. In infants the napkin may act as an occlusive dressing.

In rare instances, treatment of psoriasis with corticosteroids (or its withdrawal) is thought to have provoked the pustular form of the disease.

There are reports of local skin burning, pruritus pigmentation changes, allergic contact dermatitis and hypertrichosis with topical steroids.

The Betnovate preparations are usually well tolerated, but if signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should be stopped immediately.

Exacerbation of symptoms may occur.