BETNOVATE 0.1% CREAM 30G

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

For infected inflammatory dermatoses: apply a thin layer once or twice daily; reassess if not improving within ~7 days and reduce frequency/stop once controlled; typical maximum continuous course is up to 2-4 weeks depending on site/age and clinical response.

Initial Dose

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily.

Maintenance Dose

Apply once or twice daily as symptoms improve

Maximum Dose

Do not continue treatment for more than 4 weeks without medical re-evaluation; avoid large surface areas and occlusion unless supervised.

Children's Dosage

Not recommended in children under 1 year of age. In children over 1 year, use with caution, apply sparingly, avoid occlusion, and limit duration due to higher risk of systemic absorption. Use for shortest possible duration.

Dose Adjustment Notes

Use the minimum effective amount and reduce frequency as control is achieved; avoid prolonged continuous use; avoid occlusion unless specifically directed by a clinician (occlusion increases absorption and adverse effects).

How to Take

For topical use only: clean and dry the affected area, then apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently; wash hands after application (unless treating the hands) and avoid contact with eyes/mucous membranes.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Application-site burning/stinging, irritation, pruritus, dryness/erythema; possible allergic contact dermatitis/sensitization; with prolonged use: skin atrophy/striae/telangiectasia; clioquinol may cause yellow-brown staining of skin/clothing.

Side Effect Frequency

Common: local burning/irritation/pruritus; Uncommon: allergic contact dermatitis/hypersensitivity reactions; Very rare: skin atrophy/striae/telangiectasia/pigment changes/hypertrichosis, secondary (opportunistic) infection, and systemic effects such as HPA-axis suppression/Cushingoid features (risk increases with prolonged use, large areas, occlusion, or pediatric use).

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to betamethasone valerate, clioquinol (including iodine/halogenated hydroxyquinolines), or any excipients; rosacea; acne vulgaris; perioral dermatitis; primary cutaneous viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella); use in children under 1 year; not for ophthalmic use.

Warnings & Precautions

Avoid contact with eyes and do not use as ophthalmic preparation; avoid prolonged use and large areas/occlusion (higher systemic absorption/HPA suppression), especially in children; use extra caution on face/groin/axillae (higher atrophy risk); discontinue if irritation/sensitization occurs; clioquinol may stain skin/hair/fabrics and can interfere with some thyroid function tests.

Age Restriction

Not approved for children under 1 year of age.

Driving Warning

Safe

Drug Interactions

Food Interaction

No restriction

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Caution

Children

Not recommended in children under 1 year of age. In children over 1 year, use with caution, apply sparingly, avoid occlusion, and limit duration due to higher risk of systemic absorption. Use for shortest possible duration.

Elderly

Standard adult dosing. The minimum quantity should be used for the shortest duration, as decreased hepatic or renal function may delay elimination if systemic absorption occurs.

Storage & Patient Advice

Missed Dose

Apply when remembered, but if it is close to the next application, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule; do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose.

Stopping the Medicine

Do not stop abruptly after prolonged/frequent use or use on large areas-taper (reduce frequency/potency) to avoid rebound; short courses on limited areas can usually be stopped without taper.

Overdose

Acute topical overdose is unlikely, but excessive/prolonged use (especially large areas/occlusion) can cause local toxicity and systemic corticosteroid effects (HPA-axis suppression/Cushingoid features); manage by reducing/withdrawing gradually if prolonged use and providing supportive care.

Patient Counseling

Apply a thin layer to affected skin only once or twice daily; wash hands after use; avoid eyes/mucosa and do not use on the face/groin/underarms unless directed; do not use longer than prescribed and seek review if not improving within ~7 days; do not cover with occlusive dressings unless told; clioquinol may stain skin/fabrics; report worsening redness, pus, pain, or signs of allergy/skin thinning; keep away from children and use only as prescribed (SFDA: prescription topical cream).

Monitoring Requirements

No routine labs for short courses on small areas; if prolonged use, large surface area, occlusion, pediatric use, or facial/genital use: monitor for local steroid adverse effects (atrophy/striae/telangiectasia), worsening infection/sensitization, and signs of systemic corticosteroid effects/HPA-axis suppression.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Betamethasone valerate: glucocorticoid receptor agonist producing anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive effects via suppression of inflammatory gene transcription/mediators; Clioquinol: halogenated hydroxyquinoline with antibacterial and antifungal activity (likely via metal chelation and disruption of microbial enzyme function).

Onset of Action

Anti-inflammatory symptom relief often begins within 1-3 days; antimicrobial benefit is variable but should show clinical improvement within a few days-reassess if no improvement by ~7 days.

Bioavailability

Percutaneous absorption is generally low but variable; it increases with inflammation, damaged skin, large treated area, prolonged use, higher potency, and occlusion, raising risk of systemic corticosteroid effects.

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Cream (this SFDA-registered product: BETNOVATE-C CREAM, 30 g tube).

Composition per Dose

Per gram of cream: Betamethasone valerate 1 mg (equivalent to betamethasone 0.1% w/w) + Clioquinol 30 mg (3% w/w)

OTC Alternatives

No OTC alternative for this combination; mild hydrocortisone 1% cream available OTC for non-infected inflammatory conditions only

Skin Condition

Eczema, Psoriasis, Fungal, Bacterial

Steroid Potency

Potent

Legal Disclaimer - Al Mujtama Pharmacy

The product information provided is derived from verified pharmaceutical references and is intended for general health education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Al Mujtama Pharmacy assumes no legal or medical liability for:

• Any therapeutic decision made based on the information displayed without consulting a licensed physician or pharmacist
• Any discrepancy between the information provided and the product's package insert or SFDA guidelines
• Any misuse of medication resulting from personal interpretation of the content displayed

Important notice: Drug formulations and instructions may vary between production batches. Always rely on the leaflet included inside the product packaging you have, and consult your pharmacist or physician before starting, adjusting, or discontinuing any medication.

By using this content, you acknowledge that you have read this disclaimer and agree that Al Mujtama Pharmacy bears no liability arising from reliance on this information as a substitute for direct medical consultation.

Your health is a trust - always consult your doctor first.