Betamethasone Valerate

Prescription

Brand names: BETAMETHASONE VALERATE

Dosage Form

Topical

Route

TOPICAL

Manufacturer

A-S Medication Solutions

About This Medication

DESCRIPTION Betamethasone Valerate Cream USP, 0.1% contains betamethasone valerate 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 valerate is a white to practically white odorless crystalline powder practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in acetone and chloroform, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in benzene and ether. Chemically it is 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3,20-dione 17-valerate. The structural formula is: Molecular Formula: C 27 H 37 FO 6 Molecular Weight: 476.59 Each gram of Betamethasone Valerate Cream USP, 0.1% contains 1.2 mg betamethasone valerate (equivalent to 1 mg betamethasone) in a soft, white, hydrophilic cream of ceteareth-15, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyethylene glycol 1000, propylene glycol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment); chlorocresol is present as a preservative. Chemical Structure

Active Ingredients

Ingredient	Strength
Betamethasone Valerate	-

Indications & Usage

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

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of Betamethasone Valerate Cream USP, 0.1% to the affected skin areas one to three times a day. Dosage once or twice a day is often effective.

Side Effects Overview

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. 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 infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria.

Contraindications

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

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of Betamethasone Valerate Cream USP, 0.1% to the affected skin areas one to three times a day. Dosage once or twice a day is often effective.

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

Betamethasone Valerate is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

References & Data Sources

• DailyMed — Betamethasone Valerate drug label (National Library of Medicine)
• openFDA — Betamethasone Valerate label data (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
• RxNorm — RXCUI 197407 (NLM Normalized Drug Names)
• NDC Directory — Betamethasone Valerate (FDA National Drug Code)

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

Data sources: DailyMed (NLM), openFDA, MFDS