betamethasone valerate + clioquinol at a glance
Medicine class
Potent topical corticosteroid combined with an anti-infective.
Used on
Inflamed skin with actual or possible secondary bacterial or fungal infection.
Application
For external use on affected skin; avoid the eyes and wash hands afterwards unless treating the hands.
Practical warning
It may stain skin, hair or fabric. Treated fabrics can burn more easily, so keep them away from smoking materials and naked flames.
What is betamethasone valerate + clioquinol used for?
Licensed uses are steroid-responsive inflammatory skin disorders where secondary bacterial or fungal infection is present, suspected or likely.
Eczema, including atopic and discoid eczema
Prurigo nodularis and neurodermatoses
Psoriasis, excluding widespread plaque psoriasis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis and contact sensitivity reactions
Discoid lupus erythematosus affecting the skin
Secondarily infected insect bites
Anal or genital intertrigo with secondary infection
How does betamethasone valerate + clioquinol work?
Betamethasone valerate activates corticosteroid receptors in skin cells, reducing inflammatory signalling, swelling and itching. Clioquinol acts locally against susceptible bacteria and Candida. It is not a substitute for appropriate treatment of a primary or spreading infection.
betamethasone valerate + clioquinol preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1 mg + 30 mg/g
Ointment
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1 mg + 30 mg/g
How to take betamethasone valerate + clioquinol
Use only on the skin and exactly as prescribed. Apply gently to the affected area, avoid the eyes, and wash your hands afterwards unless your hands are being treated.
Do not dilute or mix it with another cream or ointment.
Do not cover with an airtight dressing unless specifically instructed; cleanse the skin before replacing a dressing.
Keep treated clothing, bedding and dressings away from cigarettes and naked flames.
The preparation may stain hair, skin and fabric.
betamethasone valerate + clioquinol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Itching at the application site
- Local burning or skin pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic contact dermatitis or marked worsening and swelling of treated skin
- Spreading or opportunistic infection
- Pustular psoriasis
- Skin thinning, stretch marks, visible small blood vessels or pigment changes, particularly with excessive exposure
- Systemic corticosteroid effects, including adrenal suppression or Cushingoid features, after substantial absorption
- Blurred vision or another visual disturbance
- Severe withdrawal reaction after prolonged inappropriate use, with burning redness extending beyond the treated area
betamethasone valerate + clioquinol in pregnancy
Evidence for the complete combination in pregnancy is limited. Use should follow discussion with the prescriber and consideration of benefits and risks.
betamethasone valerate + clioquinol while breastfeeding
It can generally be used while breastfeeding after individual assessment. Prevent the baby touching treated skin, wash hands after application and do not apply it to the breasts because the infant could ingest it.
betamethasone valerate + clioquinol interactions
Systemic interactions are less likely with limited topical exposure but become more relevant when absorption is increased.
Ritonavir and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
They can reduce corticosteroid metabolism and increase the risk of systemic steroid effects.
Itraconazole
It may increase systemic corticosteroid exposure by inhibiting CYP3A4.
Common questions about betamethasone valerate + clioquinol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It treats steroid-responsive inflamed skin when secondary bacterial or fungal infection is present, suspected or likely.
Is it a strong steroid?
Its betamethasone component is a potent or strong topical corticosteroid.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.