Betalic

Uses

Betamesal Scalp Lotion is used for the relief of inflammatory manifestations of psoriasis and seborrhea of the scalp. Betamesal scalp Lotion is also used for the relief of inflammatory manifestations of non-scalp lesions of psoriasis and other corticosteroid responsive dermatoses.

Betalic is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Gouty Arthritis, Adrenal cortical hypofunctions, Alopecia Areata (AA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Berylliosis, Blepharitis allergic, Blepharoconjunctivitis, Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, Bursitis, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Inflammation, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Dermatomyositis, Dermatosis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Edema of the cerebrum, Epicondylitis, Episcleritis, External ear inflammation, Eye allergy, Hypercalcemia of Malignancy, Inflammatory Reaction of the ear, Iridocyclitis, Iritis, Itching caused by Allergies, Keloid Scars, Keratitis interstitial, Keratoconjunctivitis, Leukemias, Lichen Planus (LP), Lichen simplex chronicus, Lupus Erythematosus, Malignant Lymphomas, Multiple sclerosis exacerbation, Mycosis Fungoides (MF), Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, Nephrotic Syndrome, Ocular Inflammation, Ocular injuries, Ophthalmia, Sympathetic, Pemphigus, Plaque psoriasis of the body, Plaque psoriasis of the scalp, Polymyositis, Post-Surgical Ocular Inflammation, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriatic plaque, Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Regional Enteritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile, Scleritis, Secondary thrombocytopenia, Severe Asthma, Severe Atopic Dermatitis, Skin Infections, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Temporal Arteritis, Trichinosis, Tuberculous Meningitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Uveitis, Verrucous Lichen Planus (LP), Acquired immune hemolytic anemia, Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, Acute rheumatic carditis, Bacterial blepharitis, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Eczematous rash, Exfoliative erythroderma, Granuloma annulare lesions, Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, Non-suppurative Thyroiditis, Ocular bacterial infections, Severe Allergic rhinitis, Severe Contact dermatitis, Severe Serum sickness, Severe Transfusion Reactions, Severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, Superficial ocular infections, Symptomatic Sarcoidosis, Synovitis of osteoarthritisAcne, Actinic Keratosis (AK), Alopecia Areata (AA), Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Blackheads, Chronic Eczema, Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Corns, Dandruff, Dermatitis, Contact, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Dermatitis, Eczematous of the scalp, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Foot Callus, Fungal skin infection, Furuncle, Hand Eczema, Hyperkeratosis, Hyperkeratosis follicularis et parafollicularis, Infections, Fungal, Infections, Fungal of the Skin Folds, Infections, Fungal of the face, Infections, Fungal of the feet, Infections, Fungal of the hand, Keratosis Palmaris et Plantaris, Lichen, Lichen Plano-Pilaris, Lichen Planus (LP), Lichen simplex chronicus, Molluscum Contagiosum, Musculoskeletal Pain, Neurodermatitis, Palmo-Plantar Pustulosis, Plantar Warts, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Psoriasis of the scalp, Rash, Ringworm of the Skin, Ringworm of the scalp, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis of the Scalp, Skin Infections, Bacterial, Verrucous Psoriasis, Warts, Calluses, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Keratinization disorders, Scaling, Scaling of skin, Scalp seborrhea, Superficial Fungal skin infection, Keratolysis

How Betalic works

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors. They also inhibit phospholipase A2, leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives. In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.

Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways. The genomic pathway is slower and occurs when glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors and initiate downstream effects that promote transcription of anti-inflammatory genes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), IL-1-receptor antagonist, and tyrosine amino transferase (TAT). On the other hand, the nongenomic pathway is able to elicit a quicker response by modulating T-cell, platelet and monocyte activity through the use of existing membrane-bound receptors and second messengers.

Salicylic acid directly irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 to decrease conversion of arachidonic acid to precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Salicylate's use in rheumatic diseases is due to it's analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, and warts. Salicylic acid allows cells of the epidermis to more readily slough off. Because of its effect on skin cells, salicylic acid is used in several shampoos used to treat dandruff. Salicylic acid is also used as an active ingredient in gels which remove verrucas (plantar warts). Salicylic acid competitively inhibits oxidation of uridine-5-diphosphoglucose (UDPG) with nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD) and noncompetitively with UDPG. It also competitively inhibits the transferring of the glucuronyl group of uridine-5-phosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA) to a phenolic acceptor. Inhibition of mucopoly saccharide synthesis is likely responsible for the slowing of wound healing with salicylates.

Dosage

Betalic dosage

Apply few drops of Betamesal Scalp Lotion to the affected area and massage gently and thoroughly onto the scalp or skin. The usual frequency of application is twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Side Effects

Side effects that have been reported with the application of topical corticosteroids include burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Salicylic Acid preparations may cause dermatitis.

Toxicity

Chronic high doses of glucocorticoids can lead to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, myopathy, osteoporosis, mood changes, psychosis, dermal atrophy, allergy, acne, hypertrichosis, immune suppression, decreased resistance to infection, moon face, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, growth suppression, and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Overdose may be treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the corticosteroid as well as initiating symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Oral rat LD50: 891 mg/kg. Inhalation rat LC50: > 900 mg/m3/1hr. Irritation: skin rabbit: 500 mg/24H mild. Eye rabbit: 100 mg severe. Investigated a mutagen and reproductive effector.

Precaution

If irritation or sensitization develops with the use of Betamesal Scalp Lotion, treatment should be discontinued. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids or Salicylic Acid may be increased if extensive body surface areas are treated. Application of Salicylic Acid to open wounds or damaged skin should be avoided.

Interaction

Increased hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia with thiazide diuretics. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum concentration of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents.

Potentially Fatal: Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

Do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. They may interfere with treatment or increase skin irritation.

Volume of Distribution

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,584±23,539 mL(s).

The volume of distribution is about 170 mL/kg of body weight.

Elimination Route

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered. For example, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment is classified as a highly potent topical steroid, while betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or lotion is considered to be moderately potent.

There are several structural modifications that can determine the potency of a topical corticosteroid. For example, corticosteroids containing a halogen at specific carbons, or that contain esters are more potent due to enhanced lipophilicity. As such, there is a marked difference between topical products containing betamethasone dipropionate vs. betamethasone valerate. Betamethasone dipropionate contains 2 esters which enhances its potency, while betamethasone valerate has only one ester and is less potent.

It should be noted that the use of occlusive dressings with topical steroids significantly increases the absorption, increasing the risk for adverse effects.

Half Life

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2 ± 2.5 hours.

Clearance

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 ± 805 mL/hour.

Elimination Route

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.

About 10% is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. However, topical steroid should not be used extensively in pregnancy i.e. in large amount or for prolonged period.

Contraindication

Betamethasone & Salicylic Acid Scalp lotion or ointment is contraindicated in those patients with a history of sensitivity reactions to any of its components.

Special Warning

Salicylic Acid is used in children over 2 years.

Acute Overdose

Overdose of topical corticosteroids can suppress pituitary-adrenal functions resulting in secondary adrenal insufficiency and produce manifestations of hypercorticism, including Cushing's disease. With topical preparations containing Salicylic Acid, overdose of it may result in symptoms of salicyclism.

Interaction with other Medicine

Overdose of topical corticosteroids can suppress pituitary-adrenal functions resulting in secondary adrenal insufficiency and produce manifestations of hypercorticism, including Cushing's disease. With topical preparations containing Salicylic Acid, overdose of it may result in symptoms of salicyclism.

Storage Condition

Protect from light. Do not freeze. Store between 15 °C and 30 °C.

Store at a temperature below 25° C.

Innovators Monograph

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