Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g Cream — NDC 51672-1274-6 (Billing 51672-1274-06)
This is a package of Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g Cream from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., marketed since Apr 1992 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $0.3711 per g (NADAC).
NDC database record
One package, one record: these facts belong to NDC 51672-1274-6 alone.
- Record
- FDA NDC Directory package listing · Human prescription drug
- Code segments
- 51672 labeler · 1274 product · 6 package
- Package marketed since
- Apr 30, 1992
- Sample package
- No — commercial package
- Listing certified through
- Dec 31, 2026
- Barcode (UPC-A, from the NDC)
- 3 5167212746 6
- Medicaid fills, this package
- 19,840 prescriptions in the last four reported quarters
- FDA record last changed
- Jul 24, 2026
Identity & classification
Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package
Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification
- GSN (GCN sequence number): 007568
- GCN: 31060
- GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 90550020003705
- HICL (First Databank): 003304
- AHFS class code: 68:04.00.00
- RxCUI (RxNorm): 238920
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 5, 2026
- RxNorm (NLM RxNav) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- Medi-Span GPI (licensed)
- First Databank (licensed) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class.
Where does this data come from?
- RxClass (NLM) · catalog refreshed Oct 1, 2026
Clinical
Betamethasone topical is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions, including psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) and eczema (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Betamethasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- It calms inflammation and itching from steroid-responsive skin conditions. The spray is specifically for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in adults. The valerate foam is for the s...
- Use a thin film or a few drops, as your product directs, once or twice a day. The spray is shaken first and used twice daily. Wash your hands afterward and keep it out of your eyes...
- Not for long. Several products limit use to about 2 weeks and the spray to 4 weeks. Stop when your skin is under control, and call your doctor if you see no improvement within 2 we...
- Mild burning, stinging, itching or dryness where you apply it is the most common. Skin thinning can happen with ongoing use. Call me or your doctor if you notice vision changes or...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Betamethasone Dipropionate — tap one for details:
Betamethasone Dipropionate may be associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
Where does this data come from?
- MedlinePlus (NLM) · refreshed Oct 1, 2026
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 5, 2026
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per g | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.371 | $16.70 / 45 g |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.6929 | $31.18 / 45 g |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.7627 | $34.32 / 45 g |
Where does this data come from?
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
- CMS ASP pricing files · refreshed Sep 20, 2026
- CMS Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data · through Q1 2026
- CMS Part D plan pricing files · refreshed Sep 24, 2026
- VA National Acquisition Center price file
Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Marketing end | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51672-1274-01 51672-1274-1 Main listing | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 15 g in 1 TUBE | $0.4646 / g | $6.97 | 1992-04-30 | — | Active |
| 51672-1274-06 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 45 g in 1 TUBE | $0.3711 / g | $16.70 | 1992-04-30 | — | Active |
This pack has the lowest per-g cost of the 2 priced pack sizes ($0.3711 NADAC).
This pack accounts for about 49% of this product's recent Medicaid fills; most go to a different pack size. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in this package?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g Cream?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 45802-0376-32 | Padagis | 1 tube | $0.124 | AB | Availability likely | save 66% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 68462-0290-17 | Glenmark | 15 g | $0.200 | — | FDA listed | save 46% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 51672-1310-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.209 | AB | Availability likely | save 44% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 45802-0021-46 | Padagis | 56.2 g | $0.292 | AB | Availability likely | save 21% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/gthis 51672-1274-06 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.371 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 00472-0381-15 | Actavis | 1 tube | $0.460 | AB | Availability likely | +24% |
| betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 72578-0093-01 | Viona | 1 tube | $0.460 | AB | Availability likely | +24% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 00168-0056-15 | E. | 1 tube | $0.460 | AB | Discontinued | +24% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 45802-0505-14 | Padagis | 1 tube | $0.460 | AB | Availability likely | +24% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 00168-0055-15 | E. | 1 tube | $0.465 | AB | Availability likely | +25% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 00472-0380-15 | Actavis | 1 tube | $0.465 | AB | Availability likely | +25% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 00713-0659-15 | Cosette | 1 tube | $0.465 | AB | Availability likely | +25% |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 16714-0996-01 | Northstar | 1 tube | $0.465 | AB | Availability likely | +25% |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 70710-1233-01 | Zydus | 1 tube | $0.465 | AB | Availability likely | +25% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 66993-0897-15 | Prasco | 1 tube | $0.578 | AB | Availability likely | +56% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 00472-0382-15 | Actavis | 1 tube | $0.588 | AB | Discontinued | +58% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 35573-0107-15 | Burel | 1 tube | $0.588 | AB | Availability likely | +58% |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 68180-0947-01 | Lupin | 1 tube | $0.588 | AB | Availability likely | +58% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 00168-0268-15 | E. | 15 g | $0.588 | AB | Availability likely | +58% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 51672-1309-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $2.740 | AB | Availability likely | +638% |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-0235-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-2182-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-3276-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-4680-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-7525-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 51407-0273-15 | Golden | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 59651-0891-14 | Aurobindo | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 70518-4187-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 70771-1380-01 | Zydus | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 70771-1550-01 | Zydus | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 71205-0275-15 | Proficient | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-0236-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 63629-8614-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 59651-0699-14 | Aurobindo | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Diprolene .5 mg/g 78206-0124-01 | Organon | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 71335-2715-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 72162-1415-02 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 68071-4556-03 | NuCare | 30 g | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-6787-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 76420-0858-15 | Asclemed | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 63629-9324-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 68788-7670-05 | Preferred | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-7517-00 | A-S | 50 g | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 68788-9219-01 | Preferred | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 72162-1405-02 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 63629-8613-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 50090-5232-00 | A-S | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 63629-9323-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone Dipropionate .5 mg/g 68071-4814-05 | NuCare | 15 g | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Betamethasone dipropionate .5 mg/g 67296-2275-01 | Redpharm | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Oct 3, 2026
- CMS NADAC weekly file · file of Sep 30, 2026
Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
- FDA Orange Book · refreshed Oct 3, 2026
What it looks like
Where does this data come from?
- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 5, 2026
Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
🧪 Avoiding an ingredient? See Betamethasone inactive ingredients by manufacturer: every current product's list side by side, so you can ask your pharmacy for the version that does not list it.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII I835H2IHHX
A waxy substance derived from plant oils, used as an emulsifier and solubilizer to help mix oil and water ingredients together and keep them blended throughout the product's shelf life.
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UNII 2DMT128M1S
A waxy solid derived from plant or animal sources. It acts as an emulsifier to blend oil and water components, and also thickens the medicine to give it the right texture and consistency.
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UNII 36W53O7109
Chlorocresol is a phenolic antimicrobial chemical used as a preservative in liquid medicines and injectable solutions. It prevents bacterial and fungal growth to maintain product safety and shelf-life.
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UNII T5L8T28FGP
Mineral oil is a clear, odorless liquid derived from crude oil. It acts as a lubricant and emollient in medications, helping pills slide smoothly during manufacturing and aiding moisture retention in topical products.
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UNII 4T6H12BN9U
Petrolatum is a purified mineral oil-based jelly derived from petroleum. In medicines, it acts as an emollient, lubricant, and moisture barrier to soften skin, reduce friction, and help prevent water loss from formulations.
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UNII E4GA8884NN
Phosphoric acid is a weak mineral acid used in medicines as a buffer and pH adjuster. It helps stabilize the product and control its acidity level.
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UNII 6DC9Q167V3
Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
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UNII 55X04QC32I
A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
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UNII 3980JIH2SW
A salt form of phosphoric acid that acts as a buffer and pH adjuster in medicines. It helps keep the product at the correct acidity level for stability and effectiveness.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
10 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.- FDA label on DailyMed · label index refreshed Oct 5, 2026
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Manufacturer & labeler
More NDCs from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. labeler code 51672
- Triamcinolone Acetonide 1 mg/g Paste NDC 51672-1267-5
- Betamethasone Valerate 1 mg/g Cream NDC 51672-1269-1
- Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g Cream NDC 51672-1270-1
- Desoximetasone .5 mg/g Cream NDC 51672-1271-1
- Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide 100000 [USP'U]/g; 1 mg/g Ointment NDC 51672-1272-1
- Fluocinonide .5 mg/mL Solution NDC 51672-1273-2
- Clotrimazole 10 mg/g Cream NDC 51672-1275-1
- Fluocinonide .5 mg/g Gel NDC 51672-1279-1
- Desonide .5 mg/g Cream NDC 51672-1280-1
- Desonide .5 mg/g Ointment NDC 51672-1281-1
- Triamcinolone Acetonide 1 mg/g Cream NDC 51672-1282-1
- Triamcinolone Acetonide 1 mg/g Ointment NDC 51672-1284-1
Where does this data come from?
- FDA openFDA NDC Directory · synced Oct 1, 2026
- Drugs@FDA
Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Betamethasone dipropionate cream is a medium-potency corticosteroid indicated for relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years and older.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of betamethasone dipropionate cream USP, 0.05% to the affected skin areas once daily. In some cases, twice-daily dosage may be necessary. Betamethasone dipropionate cream USP, 0.05% should not be used with occlusive dressings.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Betamethasone dipropionate cream is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone dipropionate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently when betamethasone dipropionate cream USP, 0.05% is used as recommended in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infections, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria. Adverse reactions reported to be possibly or probably related to treatment with betamethasone dipropionate cream during a pedatric clinical study include signs of skin atrophy (brusing, shininess).
Skin atrophy occurred in 3 of 63 (5%) patients, a 3-year old, a 5-year old, and a 7-year old. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Betamethasone dipropionate has been shown to be teratogenic in rabbits when given by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.05 mg/kg. This dose is approximately 0.03 fold the estimated maximum human dose based on a mg/m 2 comparison.
The abnormalities observed included umbilical hernias, cephalocele and cleft palates. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids.
Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Use of betamethasone dipropionate cream, 0.05%, in pediatric patients 12 years of age and younger is not recommended. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and ADVERSE REACTIONS .) In an open-label study, 10 of 43 (23%) evaluable pediatric patients (aged 2 years to 12 years old) using betamethasone dipropionate cream for treatment of atopic dermatitis for 2 to 3 weeks demonstrated HPA axis suppression. The proportion of patients with adrenal suppression in this study was progressively greater, the younger the age group.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Pharmacokinetics .) Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. The study described above supports this premise, as suppression in 9 to 12 year olds, and 2 to 5 year olds was 14%, 23%, and 30%, respectively. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids.
Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches and bilateral papilledema. Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen.
Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (See PRECAUTIONS ).
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY The corticosteroids are a class of compounds comprising steroid hormones, secreted by the adrenal cortex and their synthetic analogs. In pharmacologic doses corticosteroids are used primarily for their anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive effects. Topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone dipropionate, are effective in the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses primarily because of their anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions.
However, while the physiologic, pharmacologic, and clinical effects of the corticosteroids are well known, the exact mechanisms of their actions in each disease are uncertain. Betamethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid, has been shown to have topical (dermatologic) and systemic pharmacologic and metabolic effects characteristic of this class of drugs. Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.
(See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed through normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption.
Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees.
Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile. Sixty-three pediatric patients ages 1 to 12 years, with atopic dermatitis, were enrolled in an open-label, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis safety study.
Betamethasone dipropionate cream was applied twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks over a mean body surface area of 40% (range 35% to 90%). In 10 of 43 (23%) evaluable patients, adrenal suppression was indicated by either a ≤ 5 mcg/dL pre-stimulation cortisol, or a cosyntropin post-stimulation cortisol ≤ 18 mcg/dL and/or an increase of < 7 mcg/dL from the baseline cortisol. Studies performed with betamethasone dipropionate cream indicate that it is in the medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP, 0.05% is supplied in 15 gram (NDC 51672-1274-1) and 45 gram (NDC 51672-1274-6) tubes. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP, 0.05% contains betamethasone dipropionate, USP, a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid, for dermatologic use. Betamethasone, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of glucocorticoid activity and a slight mineralocorticoid activity. Betamethasone dipropionate is the 17, 21-dipropionate ester of betamethasone.
Betamethasone dipropionate is a white to creamy white, odorless crystalline powder, insoluble in water. Chemically, it is 9-Fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate. The structural formula is: Each gram of Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP, 0.05% contains: 0.643 mg betamethasone dipropionate USP (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone), in a hydrophilic emollient cream consisting of cetomacrogol 1000, cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium phosphate monobasic, white petrolatum, chlorocresol as preservative, and phosphoric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment.
Chemical Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients This information is intended to aid in the safe and effective use of this medication. It is not a disclosure of all possible adverse or intended effects. Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician.
It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions. Other corticosteroid-containing products should not be used with betamethasone dipropionate cream without first talking to your physician.
⚠️ Precautions ▾
PRECAUTIONS General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings. Use of more than one corticosteriod-containing product at the same time may increase total systemic glucocorticoid exposure.
(See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug.
In an open-label pediatric study of 43 evaluable patients, of the 10 subjects who showed evidence of suppression, 2 subjects were tested 2 weeks after discontinuation of betamethasone dipropionate cream, 0.05%, and 1 of the 2 (50%) had complete recovery of HPA axis function. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Pediatric patients may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity (See PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use ).
If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.
Information for Patients This information is intended to aid in the safe and effective use of this medication. It is not a disclosure of all possible adverse or intended effects. Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician.
It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions. Other corticosteroid-containing products should not be used with betamethasone dipropionate cream without first talking to your physician.
Laboratory Tests The following tests may be helpful in evaluating HPA axis suppression: Urinary free cortisol test ACTH stimulation test Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of betamethasone dipropionate. Betamethasone was negative in the bacterial mutagenicity assay (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) , and in the mammalian cell mutagenicity assay (CHO/HGPRT). It as positive in the in-vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, and equivocal in the in-vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
This pattern of response is similar to that of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. Reproductive studies with betamethasone dipropionate carried out in rabbits at doses of 1.0 mg/kg by the intramuscular route and in mice up to 33 mg/kg by the intramuscular route indicated no impairment of fertility except for dose-related increases in fetal resorption rates in both species. These doses are approximately 0.5 and 4 fold the estimated maximum human dose based on a mg/m 2 comparison, respectively.
Pregnancy Category C Cor… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]
🍼 Nursing Mothers ▾
Nursing Mothers It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are prescribed for a nursing woman.
🧬 Pharmacokinetics ▾
Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed through normal intact skin.
Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.
Sixty-three pediatric patients ages 1 to 12 years, with atopic dermatitis, were enrolled in an open-label, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis safety study. Betamethasone dipropionate cream was applied twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks over a mean body surface area of 40% (range 35% to 90%). In 10 of 43 (23%) evaluable patients, adrenal suppression was indicated by either a ≤ 5 mcg/dL pre-stimulation cortisol, or a cosyntropin post-stimulation cortisol ≤ 18 mcg/dL and/or an increase of < 7 mcg/dL from the baseline cortisol.
Studies performed with betamethasone dipropionate cream indicate that it is in the medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility ▾
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of betamethasone dipropionate. Betamethasone was negative in the bacterial mutagenicity assay (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) , and in the mammalian cell mutagenicity assay (CHO/HGPRT). It as positive in the in-vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, and equivocal in the in-vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
This pattern of response is similar to that of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. Reproductive studies with betamethasone dipropionate carried out in rabbits at doses of 1.0 mg/kg by the intramuscular route and in mice up to 33 mg/kg by the intramuscular route indicated no impairment of fertility except for dose-related increases in fetal resorption rates in both species. These doses are approximately 0.5 and 4 fold the estimated maximum human dose based on a mg/m 2 comparison, respectively.
📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel ▾
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 g Tube Carton NDC 51672-1274-1 15 g Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP, 0.05% (potency expressed as betamethasone) FOR DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY. NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE. Rx only Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. TARO PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 g Tube Carton