betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antipsoriatic combining calcipotriol with a strong corticosteroid.
Licensed use
Mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, in adults.
Application
Rub a thin layer thoroughly into affected skin. Avoid the face, eyes, mouth and genitals, then wash your hands.
Fire safety
Keep treated skin and contaminated clothing or bedding away from cigarettes and naked flames.
What is betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol used for?
This cream is licensed for topical treatment in adults.
Mild to moderate plaque psoriasis affecting the body.
Mild to moderate scalp psoriasis.
How does betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol work?
Calcipotriol slows excessive skin-cell growth and encourages normal cell development. Betamethasone suppresses inflammatory immune signalling, reducing redness, swelling and itching.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g
How to take betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol
For use on the skin only.
Apply only to affected areas and rub in thoroughly as a thin layer.
Keep away from the face, eyes, mouth and genitals.
Wash your hands afterwards unless the hands are being treated.
Avoid showering or bathing immediately afterwards.
Do not cover with an airtight dressing unless specifically directed.
Keep treated fabrics away from flames and cigarettes.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse effect was classified as common in product trials. The most frequently reported effects included application-site irritation, pain, itching, eczema-like changes, peeling, visible small blood vessels and folliculitis.
- Other possible local effects include burning, stinging, dryness, redness, rash and worsening psoriasis.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty.
- High blood calcium, which may cause frequent urination, constipation, muscle weakness or confusion.
- Blurred vision or another visual disturbance.
- Skin thinning, stretch marks, adrenal suppression or other systemic steroid effects.
- A widespread pustular flare or severe rebound reaction after stopping.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol in pregnancy
Evidence for the combined product is limited. Use requires prescriber review to confirm that the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol while breastfeeding
Seek prescriber advice. Do not apply the cream to the breast, prevent the baby from touching treated skin, and wash your hands before handling or feeding the baby.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Tell the prescriber about all skin treatments, supplements and phototherapy.
Other topical corticosteroids on the same area
Avoid concurrent use because local and systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may increase.
Ultraviolet phototherapy or excessive sunlight
Combination with UV treatment requires an individual benefit–risk decision.
Calcium or vitamin D supplements
These may add to the risk of raised calcium and should be reviewed by the prescriber.
Common questions about betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol used for?
The cream is licensed for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in adults, including scalp psoriasis.
Is betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol a steroid?
It contains a strong topical corticosteroid, betamethasone, and a vitamin D analogue, calcipotriol.
Can it be used on the face or genitals?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.