Betaderm

Betaderm is a corticosteroid used to treat dermatological disorders. The drug combines an antibiotic and a corticosteroid.

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Indications Betaderma

It is used during therapy for dermatoses that can be treated with GCS, in the event of complications or if there is a suspicion of the presence of a complication of a secondary infection caused by the activity of bacteria sensitive to gentamicin:

• eczema (nummular or atopic, as well as childhood);
• neurodermatitis;
• itching of senile or anogenital origin;
• seborrheic or contact dermatitis;
• diaper rash, photodermatitis or exfoliative dermatitis;
• stasis dermatitis or psoriasis.

Release form

It is produced in the form of a cream, in 15 g tubes.

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Pharmacodynamics

Betamethasone dipropionate is an artificial fluoride derivative of the substance hydrocortisone. This element easily penetrates the skin surface, having a powerful local anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect. The drug affects the causes of inflammation, eliminating them, and in addition, prevents the release of histamine and the occurrence of local signs of allergy. Local vasoconstrictor properties allow the drug to reduce exudative manifestations.

Gentamicin sulfate is an antibiotic with a wide range of medicinal activity. It has antibacterial properties against gram-negative microbes (such as E. coli or Proteus, etc.), as well as certain gram-positive microorganisms (this also includes penicillin-resistant staphylococci).

Pharmacokinetics

Betamethasone dipropionate is not metabolized by the skin. After passing through the skin (absorption maximum 1%), the substance undergoes metabolic processes in the liver and is then excreted mainly with urine and, in small quantities, with bile.

The absorption of this element through the skin surface can be enhanced when used on overly delicate skin, in areas with folds, and also on skin whose epidermis has been damaged or affected by inflammation. At the same time, absorption is potentiated when the drug is used too frequently and when applied to large areas of skin.

Absorption of betamethasone through the skin is more pronounced in young patients than in adults.

Gentamicin sulfate is not absorbed when applied topically to intact skin. However, when used on damaged, ulcerated, or burnt areas, it can be systemically absorbed. The element is metabolized and then excreted unchanged in the urine.

Dosing and administration

For teenagers over 12 years old and adults, you need to apply a thin layer of cream to the inflamed area twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

The number of procedures for applying the drug is selected for each person individually, taking into account the severity of the pathology. In mild forms of the disease, the cream can be used once a day, but in severe forms, more frequent application may be required.

The duration of the course is determined by the location and size of the painful lesion, and in addition, the person's response to therapy. But if there are no symptoms of improvement after 3-4 weeks of using the cream, it is necessary for the attending physician to reconsider the diagnosis.

Use Betaderma during pregnancy

The use of betamethasone during pregnancy is prohibited.

There is no information on whether the active ingredient of Betaderm passes into breast milk after local application of the cream, so its use during lactation is not recommended.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• the presence of intolerance to gentamicin, GCS or other elements of the drug;
• cutaneous tuberculosis, signs of syphilis appearing on the skin, skin symptoms developing as a result of vaccination;
• a common form of plaque psoriasis;
• varicose veins;
• perioral dermatitis;
• tumors or viral lesions in the skin area;
• simple acne and rosacea;
• chickenpox;
• other skin infections of fungal or bacterial origin that are not treated with adequate antibacterial and antimycotic therapy;
• use on large areas of skin, especially if its integrity has been compromised - for example, in the presence of burns.

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Side effects Betaderma

The use of the cream may lead to the appearance of certain side effects:

• disorders affecting the subcutaneous layer and skin: acne, subcutaneous tissue atrophy, steroid purpura, erythema, folliculitis, and secondary infection, hypertrichosis, and suppression of epidermal growth processes are observed sporadically. In addition, maculopapular rashes, urticaria, burning, prickly heat, irritation and itching, or exacerbation of existing symptoms occur. Skin hyper- or depigmentation, dryness, atrophy, or discoloration are also observed, as well as skin stretch marks (if the drug is used longer than the prescribed period). Facial treatment may lead to perioral dermatitis;
• vascular disorders: isolated cases (with prolonged use of the cream) of telangiectasia have been observed;
• auditory dysfunction: isolated cases when used on large areas of skin (especially damaged skin) or on mucous membranes, as well as under a tight dressing, the development of an ototoxic effect under the influence of gentamicin sulfate is possible;
• problems with the endocrine system: symptoms of hypercorticism are noted sporadically. With long-term use of the substance on large areas of the body, under a tight dressing or in children, due to increased absorption of betamethasone, a powerful systemic effect may occur, which is often noted when using GCS. This disorder develops in the form of edema, weakened immunity, increased blood pressure, glucosuria or hyperglycemia, and also in the form of suppression of development and growth in children, as well as hypercorticism;
• visual impairment: with local use in the area of the skin on the eyelids, the development of glaucoma or acceleration of the development of an existing cataract is observed in isolated cases;
• immune disorders: intolerance to GCS occasionally develops. In case of such a disorder, Betaderm should be discontinued immediately;
• symptoms in the urinary system and kidneys: occasionally after treating large areas of the body with the cream (especially damaged skin) or applying it under a tight dressing, the nephrotoxic properties of gentamicin sulfate may manifest.

The medication contains cetyl stearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin symptoms such as contact dermatitis.

Propylene glycol contained in the drug can cause skin irritation.

The substance chlorocresol can lead to the development of allergic reactions.

Overdose

Prolonged use of the cream on large areas of the body and in large portions, as well as use together with an airtight dressing, may contribute to the development of signs of intoxication. It manifests itself in the form of potentiation of systemic side effects that are often encountered when using GCS (such as glucosuria, hyperglycemia, and in addition hypercorticism) or gentamicin sulfate (nephrotoxic or ototoxic effect).

A single overdose of gentamicin does not cause the development of signs of poisoning. However, long-term treatment with gentamicin in large doses can cause increased growth of bacteria resistant to the antibiotic.

To eliminate disorders, adequate symptomatic measures are prescribed. Signs of acute hypercorticism are often curable. If necessary, electrolyte balance stabilization can be performed. Chronic toxic effect requires gradual discontinuation of drug use. If excessive growth of resistant bacteria is observed, it is recommended to stop treatment with Betaderm and conduct the necessary therapy for the victim.

Interactions with other drugs

When used externally, GCS has not been associated with pharmacological interactions with other drugs. However, it should be noted that during therapy, one should not vaccinate against smallpox, nor perform any other immunization procedures (especially if long-term use on large areas of skin is expected), because there is a possibility that the required immunological response in the form of production of the necessary antibodies will not occur.

Betaderm is able to potentiate the effectiveness of immunosuppressants and weaken the properties of immunostimulants.

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Storage conditions

Betaderm should be kept out of reach of children. Temperature values are maximum 25°C. Do not freeze the cream.

Shelf life

Betaderm is approved for use for 3 years from the date of manufacture of the medicinal cream.

Reviews

Betaderm gets good reviews for its effect. It is used to eliminate various lesions affecting the skin surface. The effectiveness of the drug is very high.

It should also be noted that patients are advised to exercise caution and not to use the drug as a means of self-medication - before starting therapy, it is necessary to consult a doctor, because Betaderm is an antibiotic and contains a hormonal substance.