Betamethasone Dipropionate (On the skin)
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Treats skin pain, swelling, and itching. This medicine is a corticosteroid.
Drug classes
Corticosteroid, Strong (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Betamethasone topical cream, gel, lotion, and ointment are used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. Betamethasone topical spray is used to treat adults with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Lotion, Ointment, Spray
Use this medicine as directed.
Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Cream, gel, lotion, or ointment: Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
Aerosol foam: Turn the can upside down and squirt a small amount onto a small plate or other cool surface. Then pick up small amounts of the foam and massage it into your scalp. Do not squirt the foam onto your hands because it will melt if you hold it too long.
Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
The aerosol foam is flammable. Do not use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to betamethasone or to similar medicines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems, such as Cushing syndrome or high blood sugar.
Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
If your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Color changes on the skin, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness
Severe itching, burning, or skin irritation
Signs of skin infection, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or pus
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild stinging, burning, itching, redness, or dryness at the application site
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Alphatrex, Del-Beta, Diprosone, Dovobet, Occlucort, Sernivo
There may be other brand names for this medicine.