What is the use of the external drug "Betamethasone" (ointment)? Instructions for the use of the medication, indications for its use will be discussed in this article. In addition, we will tell you about whether this drug has analogues, adverse reactions and contraindications. Also, patient reviews about this tool, information about its composition and properties will be presented to your attention.
Composition, description and packaging of the drug
What substances does Betamethasone (ointment) contain? Instructions for use states that the active component of this drug is betamethasone dipropionate. It also includes auxiliary elements such as water, imidourea, diluted phosphoric acid , methyl paraben, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, mineral oil, macrogol cetostearyl ether, glycerin, dimethicone 350, white paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol and propylene glycol.
The medication in question has a uniform white consistency. The ointment is sold in tubes of 15 g, which are placed in cardboard packaging.
Pharmacodynamics of the external drug
What is an external agent like Betamethasone (ointment)? The instructions attached to this drug say that it refers to synthetic corticosteroids (hormones of the adrenal cortex).
The medication is able to have an anti-inflammatory effect. It blocks the release of anti-inflammatory mediators to the area of inflammation and lysosomal enzymes into the intercellular space, as well as the migration of leukocytes.
What else can be said about Betamethasone? Ointment suppresses phagocytosis, stops the development of swelling in the focus of inflammation and weakens vascular permeability.
Drug properties
What are the properties of the drug "Betamethasone" (ointment)? In its effect on the skin, its effect exceeds that of Hydrocortisone. In addition, this tool has a great resemblance to Prednisolone.
According to the instructions, the ointment we are considering is able to reduce the level of inflammatory fluid in the tissues, as well as improve their microcirculation.
This drug has anti-allergic properties. Its active element accelerates the healing process and slows down adverse reactions. It should also be noted that the auxiliary substances that make up the medication well soften the skin and contribute to the removal of their coarse particles.
As for therapeutic treatment, Betamethasone (ointment) is ideal for people with dry skin. This is due to the fact that after application, the medication forms a water-repellent and protective layer on the integument.
Pharmacokinetics of the external drug
Is the Betamethasone (ointment) medication absorbed? Reviews of experts say that with local use of the drug in therapeutic dosages, its absorption is insignificant and amounts to about 13-14%. In this case, the reaction with proteins is 64%.
The drug is transformed in the liver. It is excreted in the form of metabolites, mainly through the kidneys. Also, the medication is slightly excreted along with bile.
In the presence of an inflammatory process and damage to the skin, as well as in the case of using occlusive dressings, the absorption process of betamethasone improves.
Indications for use
When is an external drug such as Betamethasone (ointment) prescribed? Instructions for use for children and adults say that this tool is actively used to reduce inflammation in dermatitis and eczema, including lichen planus, photodermatitis, neurodermatitis, nodular prurigo, discoid lupus erythematosus , lipoid necrobiosis, pretibial myxedema and erythroderma.
It should also be noted that the medication in question is often used for the treatment of psoriasis, which develops in the scalp, and other types of this disease (except for plaque extensive).
Contraindications
Do you know when it is impossible to apply Betamethasone (ointment) on the skin? Instructions for use (analogues of this remedy have a similar annotation) informs patients that the medicine should not be used in the presence of viral, fungal and bacterial skin lesions, as well as with skin symptoms of syphilis, perioral dermatitis, skin tuberculosis, varicose veins, acne, plaque psoriasis, genital or perianal itching, rosacea, and skin reactions after vaccination.
Among other things, such an ointment is not recommended for use with hypersensitivity to the active and additional substances that make up the drug.
External agent "Betamethasone": instructions for use
Ointment (reviews about it will be presented below) is used only locally. Moreover, the dosage scheme of this agent should be developed individually by a specialist.
According to the instructions, this drug must be applied (in a thin layer) to the affected area of the skin, gently rubbing with the fingertips. This should be done twice a day.
After there are signs of improvement in the patient's condition, the frequency of use of the medication can be reduced to 1 time per day.
The duration of therapy with such a drug is determined by the doctor and depends on the rate of disappearance of the inflammatory process, the cessation of itching and skin cleansing. In addition, the duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease.
As a rule, the course of therapy with Betamethasone ointment lasts no more than 2 weeks. If necessary, then after 21 days of rest, treatment can be repeated.
As for the treatment of patients who have facial skin lesions and children, we note that in this case the course should be no more than 5 days.
Overdose
Have there been any cases of overdose with the drug in question? With long-term use of a local drug on extensive surfaces of the skin, systemic adverse reactions characteristic of glucocorticosteroids can occur (for example, suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system with the development of hypercorticism and adrenal insufficiency).
To eliminate such signs, symptomatic treatment is used, and, if necessary, electrolyte balance correction is also carried out.
Adverse reactions
With long-term or improper use (with frequent or increased dosages) of the external drug Betamethasone, the patient may experience undesirable reactions from the skin. These side effects include sensations of itching, dryness, burning and irritation.
Also, against the background of using this remedy, a person develops acne, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, perioral dermatitis, hypopigmentation, contact dermatitis, hyperpegmentation, skin maceration, secondary infection, prickly heat, skin atrophy, telangiectasia and stria.
It cannot be said that the drug in question is capable of causing undesirable systemic reactions. These include a decrease in carbohydrate tolerance, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, and suppression of the adrenal glands. By the way, in children, the latter pathology is manifested by stunted growth, increased intracranial pressure, weight loss, fontanel swelling, decreased amount of cortisol in the blood, optic nerve edema, and headache.
special instructions
What features of the drug must be known before starting therapy?
According to the instructions, such a tool can in no case be used in ophthalmology. Also, the medication should not be allowed to enter the skin of the eyelids and eyes. Otherwise, there is a high risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts, herpetic and fungal infections.
In patients with psoriasis, the use of Betamethasone ointment may worsen the course of this disease.
As you know, the groin and armpits are more prone to striae formation. The use of an external agent in these areas should not be long.
If the patient has superinfection, then along with the ointment, other antifungal or antibacterial drugs should be prescribed (depending on the origin of the disease).
If possible, ointment on the scalp should be avoided.
The drug is not recommended for use in the treatment of children under the age of 2 years (except in cases of strict indications).
With lactation and pregnancy, the use of the medication in question is permissible, but only according to strict indications and taking into account possible risks.
The drug "Betamethasone" (ointment): analogues
The following drugs act as analogues of this remedy: Akriderm, Celestoderm-B, Betazone, Soderm, Beloderm Express, Betamethasone dipropionate, Betliben, and Betamethasone valerate.
Reviews about the external tool
Most patients who have ever had to use the drug in question leave mostly positive reviews about it. According to them, this drug pretty well helps with neurodermatitis and allergic skin reactions. If you strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and adhere to the dosage, then side effects are very rare.
However, it should be said that for some patients such a drug seemed ineffective. In this regard, they prefer to replace it with more effective means.