Beloderm

Beloderm is a medicine for external use. It belongs to the GCS group.

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Indications Beloderm

The drug is indicated for the elimination of dermatoses that are sensitive to glucocorticoids:

• atopic or nodular eczema;
• dermatitis of various types (seborrheic, radiation, solar, contact, as well as exfoliative and diaper rash);
• psoriasis or neurodermatitis;
• anogenital itching;
• stasis dermatitis.

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Release form

It is produced in the form of a cream or ointment for external use. The volume of the tube with the medicine is 15 or 30 g. One package contains 1 tube.

Pharmacodynamics

The active ingredient of the drug is betamethasone dipropionate, which is an analogue of prednisolone, an adrenosteroid obtained synthetically.

This substance has a much stronger corticosteroid activity, as well as weak mineralocorticoid properties.

Among the properties of Beloderm are pronounced antiallergic, immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory. As a result of its use, there is a decrease in the production and release of PG, histamine, and also lysosomal enzymes. In addition, GCS have a specific effect on the processes of cell migration to the area of inflammation, as a result of which plasma extravasation is reduced, and the severity of edema is reduced.

The drug weakens the negative antigen-antibody reaction, and along with it the effect of lymphokines inside the target cells, as well as macrophages. Beloderm also prevents the passage of sensitized macrophages inside the cells together with T-lymphocytes. As a result of using the drug, the development of allergic dermatitis processes is inhibited.

Pharmacokinetics

The absorption of the active substance into the systemic bloodstream varies (the main factor is the condition of the skin - its integrity, and in addition, the presence of inflammatory foci on it) - in the case of treating damaged epidermis with ointment/cream, absorption is enhanced. On intact skin, the absorption of the component will be insignificant.

Approximately 64% of the active element is synthesized with proteins within the plasma. The metabolism process occurs in the liver.

The drug is excreted through bile and also through urine (maximum 5%).

Dosing and administration

The medicine is used externally only - gently rub the ointment/cream into dry, clean skin (no more than 3 times a day). It is necessary to apply the medicine in a thin layer to avoid overdose.

As a rule, it is enough to use the medicine 1-2 times a day. If you miss the next procedure, you need to apply the medicine as soon as you remember about it. If the treatment is not done before the next procedure, doubling the dosage is still prohibited.

Occlusive dressings increase the systemic effects of the drug and are therefore not recommended for use.

Avoid getting the cream in your eyes.

During the course of treatment, the work of the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the adrenal glands should be carefully monitored - if symptoms of its suppression appear, the drug should be discontinued.

Use Beloderm during pregnancy

For pregnant women, the drug can be prescribed only in exceptional cases, and also under strict medical supervision of plasma indicators of the active substance. The effect of betamethasone on pregnant women, as well as fetal development after local application, has not been studied.

If it is necessary to use Beloderm during lactation, breastfeeding should be discontinued for this period.

Contraindications

Among the absolute contraindications of the drug:

• high sensitivity to betamethasone, as well as auxiliary components of the drug;
• cutaneous tuberculosis;
• varicose veins;
• rosacea;
• skin reactions developing after vaccination;
• perioral dermatitis;
• other skin infections caused by fungi and bacteria (without appropriate antibacterial and fungicidal treatment);
• applying medication to the area around the eyes (strictly prohibited).

Among the relative contraindications:

• in case of skin lesions on the face, the medicine may be used for no more than 7 days;
• liver failure (only short-term use of Beloderm is permitted - in small doses and using dressings);
• It is necessary to carefully treat the areas of folds where there is natural occlusion with ointment/cream (the likelihood of systemic effects increases);
• Beloderm is prescribed to children with special caution (due to the peculiarities of transdermal absorption of the drug, which is higher in children). In addition, it is necessary to take into account the ratio of the area of the treated area to the size of the patient's body. It is strictly forbidden to treat areas of skin under diapers with the drug.

Side effects Beloderm

External use of betamethasone can lead to collagen reduction, as well as other changes in the condition of the skin. As a result, stretch marks form on it, atrophy begins, telangiectasia, ecchymosis, hypertrichosis, and folliculitis develop.

Long-term use of the drug can cause the development of hyperpigmentation, skin rashes and itching, as well as hair and skin depigmentation. At the same time, long-term use of the drug can weaken the work of the sweat glands.

Due to immunosuppression, secondary infection of the skin may begin.

Systemic side effects are almost never observed with the standard treatment regimen, but the risk of their development increases sharply in case of overdose or prolonged use of the drug in high doses.

If dermatological reactions begin to occur during treatment, you should immediately stop using Beloderm.

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Overdose

Development of systemic overdose is possible in case of application of the medicine in large volumes, and also when using the medicine on a large area of skin or using hermetic bandages. Chronic overdose can develop if the medicine is used for more than 3 weeks in a row.

As a result of overdose, the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the adrenal glands is suppressed. In children, this leads to growth inhibition and the development of intracranial hypertension. Glucose metabolism processes are also disrupted (such as hyperglycemia or glycosuria) and hypercorticism syndrome develops.

As a result of suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the adrenal glands in children, in addition to inhibition of the growth process, there is an increase in weight, a decrease in the level of cortisol in the urine with serum, and along with this, there is a lack of response to the implementation of ACTH stimulation. Signs of intracranial hypertension are pulsation, and along with this, tension, as well as swelling in the crown area, and in addition, headache.

If overdose occurs, it is necessary to stop using the drug, perform procedures to restore water-salt balance, and conduct treatment aimed at eliminating symptoms.

If drug poisoning is chronic, gradual discontinuation of drug use may be necessary.

Storage conditions

The medicine should be stored in a place inaccessible to children, and in addition, dark and dry. The room temperature is 15-25 degrees. It is forbidden to freeze the cream.

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Shelf life

Beloderm is permitted to be used for 4 years from the date of manufacture of the drug.