Betamethasone (Topical

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Diprolene; Diprolene AF [DSC]; Luxiq [DSC]; Sernivo

Brand Names: Canada

Betaderm; Beteflam; Celestoderm V [DSC]; Celestoderm V/2 [DSC]; Diprolene; Diprosone; TARO-Sone; TEVA-Ectosone; TEVA-Topilene; TEVA-Topisone; Valisone Scalp [DSC]

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat some types of psoriasis.
  • It is used to treat skin irritation.
  • It is used to treat skin rashes.
  • It is used to treat scalp irritation.
  • It may be given to your child for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

Patch and Spray:

  • If your child has been given this form of this drug, talk with the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving this drug to your child.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
  • If your child has thinning of the skin where you are putting this drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Do not have your child use longer than you have been told by your child’s doctor.
  • Use care when using on a large part of the skin. Talk with the doctor.
  • Do not use to treat diaper rash or redness. Avoid putting this drug in the diaper area.
  • This drug may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk with the doctor.
  • If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of some side effects may be higher in children.
  • This drug may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
  • Different brands of this drug may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
  • If your child is breast-feeding a baby, be sure she does not put this drug right on the nipple or the area right around it.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of a weak adrenal gland like a severe upset stomach or throwing up, severe dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
  • Signs of Cushing’s disease like weight gain in the upper back or belly, moon face, very bad headache, or slow healing.
  • Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
  • Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
  • Skin irritation.
  • Thinning of the skin.
  • Change in eyesight.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

  • Burning or stinging.
  • Dry skin.
  • Itching.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

  • Keep using this drug as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child’s signs get better.
  • Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.

Foam:

  • Do not give by mouth. Use on your child’s scalp and hair only. Keep out of your child’s mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Move and part hair so that the drug can be put right on the affected skin.
  • Turn the can upside down and put the foam onto a saucer or other cool surface. Do not place foam right in your hands. Pick up a little foam with your fingers and rub into the affected part. Keep doing this until all of the affected scalp area is treated.
  • This drug may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.

All other products:

  • Do not give by mouth. Use on your child’s skin only. Keep out of your child’s mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Put a thin layer on the affected part and rub in gently.
  • Do not put on your child’s face, underarms, or the groin area unless told to do so by the doctor.

Lotion:

  • Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

  • Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
  • Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  • Protect from light.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Foam:

  • Protect from heat or open flame. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2021-08-03

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022