Betamethasone and Fusidic Acid, Topical

Corticosteroid Combinations, Topical · Antibacterial/Corticosteroid

Indications

Inflammatory dermatoses where bacterial infection is present or suspected.

Dosage

Adults & Children: Apply three or four times daily or less frequently if dressing is used.

Adverse Effects

Cushingoid changes, adrenal suppression, local skin reactions, acne, atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, mild pigmentation, hypertrichosis, pruritus, folliculitis. Hypersensitivity reactions incl contact dermatitis (discontinue).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Contraindications: Untreated bacterial, fungal or viral infections or parasitic infestations, use on burns, acne or rosacea, perioral dermatitis, widespread plaque psoriasis, perianal or genital pruritus, pruritus without inflammation. Precautions: Do not use potent steroids to treat diaper dermatoses in infants. Avoid extensive or prolonged use (limit to max 7 days in children). If using potent steroids in children or on face, limit to 5 days and avoid occlusion. Avoid mucous membranes and eye area. Broken, inflamed or occluded skin, psoriasis, dermatitis around chronic leg ulcers. Risk of visual disturbances. Elderly.

Advice to Patient

Wash and dry the skin before applying. Apply a thin film to cover affected areas and rub gently. Wash hands thoroughly after applying, unless hands are the area being treated. If you are using other medicines or moisturizers, leave half an hour between applying each product. Do not apply for more than prescribed period of time. For more resistant lesions, the effect of cream can be enhanced by occlusion with polyethylene film applied and left overnight. Avoid contact of medication with eyes, nose and mouth. In case of contact, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly with water. Use airtight dressing only over the affected area if recommended by your doctor. Children under treatment should visit doctor atleast once a week for follow up. Discontinue medication and consult prescriber if there is no improvement after seven days of treatment.

Pharmacokinetics

BETAMETHASONE: Absorption: It ranges from about 1% in areas with a thick stratum corneum to as high as 36% in areas with a thin stratum corneum. Absorption increases in areas of skin damage, inflammation, or occlusion. Some systemic absorption of topical steroids occurs. Metabolism: After topical administration, drug is metabolized primarily in skin. The small amount absorbed into systemic circulation is metabolized hepatically. Excretion: Renal (inactive metabolites). Faeces (small amounts of metabolites). FUSIDIC ACID: Absorption: Extent of absorption into skin depends upon factors such as duration of exposure to fusidic acid and the condition of the skin.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.