betamethasone + calcipotriol at a glance
Medicine class
Vitamin D analogue combined with a potent topical corticosteroid.
Licensed use
Stable plaque psoriasis in adults when topical treatment is suitable.
Avoid
Do not apply to the face, genitals, eyes, mouth, wounds or untreated infections, or cover with an airtight dressing.
What is betamethasone + calcipotriol used for?
The ointment is licensed for:
Topical treatment of stable plaque psoriasis vulgaris in adults when the plaques are suitable for topical therapy.
How does betamethasone + calcipotriol work?
Calcipotriol is a vitamin D analogue that normalises the maturation and production of skin cells. Betamethasone dipropionate is a potent corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, itching and redness. The combination does not cure psoriasis.
betamethasone + calcipotriol preparations and strengths
Ointment
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g
How to take betamethasone + calcipotriol
For use on the skin only. Apply to affected psoriasis plaques and rub in gently until most of the ointment has disappeared. Avoid immediate bathing or showering. Wash your hands afterwards unless they are being treated, and avoid transferring ointment to the face, eyes or mouth.
Do not apply to the face or genitals.
Avoid airtight dressings and skin folds.
The greasy ointment may stain delicate textiles.
betamethasone + calcipotriol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Itching
- Peeling or flaking skin
Get urgent medical advice
- Facial, mouth or throat swelling, or breathing difficulty
- Marked worsening or pustular transformation of psoriasis
- Raised-calcium symptoms such as frequent urination, constipation, muscle weakness or confusion
- Blurred vision, eye pain or other significant visual disturbance
- Unusual weakness or other features of adrenal suppression
betamethasone + calcipotriol in pregnancy
Evidence for the combination during pregnancy is limited. Its use should be reviewed by the prescriber and considered only when the expected benefit justifies the potential risk.
betamethasone + calcipotriol while breastfeeding
Discuss use with the prescriber. Do not apply it to the breast, prevent the infant from touching treated skin and wash your hands after application.
betamethasone + calcipotriol interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Important concurrent treatments include:
Other topical corticosteroids
Using another corticosteroid on the same area may increase local and systemic steroid exposure.
Other calcipotriol-containing treatments
Combined exposure can increase the risk of disturbed calcium metabolism.
Phototherapy or ultraviolet treatment
Experience with concurrent treatment is limited. Avoid excessive natural or artificial ultraviolet exposure unless assessed by the clinician.
Common questions about betamethasone + calcipotriol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
The ointment treats stable plaque psoriasis in adults when topical therapy is appropriate.
Is it a steroid?
It contains the potent corticosteroid betamethasone and the vitamin D analogue calcipotriol.
Can it be used on the face?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.