Betamethasone

DIPROLENE

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Pronunciation: bay-ta-METH-a-soen (DI-proe-leen)

Betamethasone ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Betamethasone ballicule

Betamethasone DIPROLENE mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Betamethasone mascot
**“Diaper-leaning Baby-methasone”**

What it isPotent long-acting glucocorticoid; topical dermatoses and, antenatally, fetal lung maturation.

Why this oneIt resists placental inactivation, which is why it and dexamethasone are used antenatally rather than hydrocortisone.

What limits itTopical use can cause skin atrophy and striae; systemic exposure causes marked adrenal-axis suppression.

Betamethasone molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Betamethasone

FDA-approved for

corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses	Adults	Thin film QD to affected area	Thin film QD (up to BID if needed)

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Apply thin film to affected skin
Do not use with occlusive dressings
Institute antimicrobial therapy if infection develops

Available strengths

lotion 0.05, 0.1 %
ointment 0.05, 0.1 %
cream 0.05, 0.1 %
foam 0.12 %
gel 0.05 %
spray 0.05 %/spray

Cautions

Systemic absorption can cause reversible HPA-axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, glucosuria
Local skin atrophy, striae, secondary infection

Adverse reactions

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness
Folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions
Hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis
Skin atrophy, striae, miliaria

Pregnancy Undefined

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Betamethasone (DIPROLENE)

Strength		#/mo	CostPlus
0.05 %	lotion	per unit	not offered
0.1 %	lotion	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	ointment	per unit	not offered
0.1 %	ointment	per unit	not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Betamethasone is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Generic entryPre-1982

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskSkin atrophy topically; axis suppression systemically

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger2 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk2 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityTremor, tachycardia or anticholinergic effects; excessive beta-agonist exposure can cause hypokalemia and arrhythmia.

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