betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Vitamin D analogue plus potent topical corticosteroid
Usual role
Treating adult plaque psoriasis on the body or scalp, depending on formulation
What is betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate used for?
These products are licensed for topical treatment of adult psoriasis; the exact indication depends on formulation.
Gel: scalp psoriasis and mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis away from the scalp.
Ointment: stable plaque psoriasis suitable for topical treatment.
Foam: psoriasis vulgaris.
How does betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate work?
Calcipotriol helps normalise excessive skin-cell growth and maturation. Betamethasone suppresses inflammatory immune signalling, reducing redness, swelling and itching.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g
How to take betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate
For skin use only. Follow the instructions for the supplied formulation.
Apply only to psoriasis-affected skin and rub in gently.
Avoid the face, eyes, mouth, genitals, wounds and untreated infections.
Do not tightly cover or bandage treated skin unless specifically instructed.
Wash your hands afterwards unless treating them.
Do not bathe, shower or wash treated hair immediately afterwards.
Shake gel containers and foam cans before use. Keep foam away from flames, sparks and smoking materials.
For scalp gel, part the hair and apply to the skin rather than coating the hair.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Itching or skin flaking, particularly with ointment
- Irritation, redness, burning, stinging or discomfort where applied
- Dry skin or rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic swelling, especially with breathing or swallowing difficulty
- Marked worsening or pustular spread of psoriasis
- Symptoms of raised calcium, such as excessive urination, constipation, muscle weakness or confusion
- New blurred vision, eye pain or a red eye
- Skin infection or systemic corticosteroid effects after extensive or prolonged exposure
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate in pregnancy
Independent UK information is generally reassuring about appropriately used topical corticosteroids and calcipotriol. However, the combination products should be used during pregnancy only when the prescriber judges that the expected benefit justifies the uncertain potential risk.
betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all skin treatments, supplements and phototherapy.
Other topical corticosteroids
Using another corticosteroid on the same area can increase local and systemic steroid adverse effects.
Other calcipotriol or vitamin D products
Combined exposure can increase the risk of disturbed calcium metabolism.
Common questions about betamethasone dipropionate + calcipotriol monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used on the scalp?
The gel is licensed for adult scalp psoriasis. Foam may also be applied to affected scalp skin according to its product instructions; ointment has limited scalp-use experience.
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.