Betzee

Uses

Indicated in atopic, infantile & discoid eczema; prurigo nodularis; Psoriasis (excluding widespread plague psoriasis); lichen simplex or planus; contact sensitivity reactions; seborrhoeic dermatitis; discoid lupus erythematosus & adjunct to systemic steroid therapy in generalized erythroderma.

Zinc is an essential element commonly used for the treatment of patients with documented zinc deficiency.

Zinc can be used for the treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency/its consequences, including stunted growth and acute diarrhea in children, and slowed wound healing. It is also utilized for boosting the immune system, treating the common cold and recurrent ear infections, as well as preventing lower respiratory tract infections .

Betzee 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 osteoarthritisCandidiasis, Common Cold, Diaper Dermatitis, Diaper Rash, Eye redness, Iron Deficiency (ID), Ocular Irritation, Skin Irritation, Sunburn, Wilson's Disease, Zinc Deficiency, Dietary and Nutritional Therapies, Dietary supplementation

How Betzee 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.

Zinc has three primary biological roles: catalytic, structural, and regulatory. The catalytic and structural role of zinc is well established, and there are various noteworthy reviews on these functions. For example, zinc is a structural constituent in numerous proteins, inclusive of growth factors, cytokines, receptors, enzymes, and transcription factors for different cellular signaling pathways. It is implicated in numerous cellular processes as a cofactor for approximately 3000 human proteins including enzymes, nuclear factors, and hormones .

Zinc promotes resistance to epithelial apoptosis through cell protection (cytoprotection) against reactive oxygen species and bacterial toxins, likely through the antioxidant activity of the cysteine-rich metallothioneins .

In HL-60 cells (promyelocytic leukemia cell line), zinc enhances the up-regulation of A20 mRNA, which, via TRAF pathway, decreases NF-kappaB activation, leading to decreased gene expression and generation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1beta, and IL-8 .

There are several mechanisms of action of zinc on acute diarrhea. Various mechanisms are specific to the gastrointestinal system: zinc restores mucosal barrier integrity and enterocyte brush-border enzyme activity, it promotes the production of antibodies and circulating lymphocytes against intestinal pathogens, and has a direct effect on ion channels, acting as a potassium channel blocker of adenosine 3-5-cyclic monophosphate-mediated chlorine secretion. Cochrane researchers examined the evidence available up to 30 September 2016 .

Zinc deficiency in humans decreases the activity of serum thymulin (a hormone of the thymus), which is necessary for the maturation of T-helper cells. T-helper 1 (Th(1)) cytokines are decreased but T-helper 2 (Th(2)) cytokines are not affected by zinc deficiency in humans [A342417].

The change of Th(1) to Th(2) function leads to cell-mediated immune dysfunction. Because IL-2 production (Th(1) cytokine) is decreased, this causes decreased activity of natural-killer-cell (NK cell) and T cytolytic cells, normally involved in killing viruses, bacteria, and malignant cells [A3424].

In humans, zinc deficiency may lead to the generation of new CD4+ T cells, produced in the thymus. In cell culture studies (HUT-78, a Th(0) human malignant lymphoblastoid cell line), as a result of zinc deficiency, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, phosphorylation of IkappaB, and binding of NF-kappaB to DNA are decreased and this results in decreased Th(1) cytokine production .

In another study, zinc supplementation in human subjects suppressed the gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased oxidative stress markers [A3424]. In HL-60 cells (a human pro-myelocytic leukemia cell line), zinc deficiency increased the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-8 cytokines and mRNA. In such cells, zinc was found to induce A20, a zinc finger protein that inhibited NF-kappaB activation by the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor pathway. This process decreased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers .

The exact mechanism of zinc in acne treatment is poorly understood. However, zinc is considered to act directly on microbial inflammatory equilibrium and facilitate antibiotic absorption when used in combination with other agents. Topical zinc alone as well as in combination with other agents may be efficacious because of its anti-inflammatory activity and ability to reduce P. acnes bacteria by the inhibition of P. acnes lipases and free fatty acid levels .

Dosage

Betzee dosage

Apply sparingly to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily until an improvement occurs.

Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrychosis acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliariamay be reported.

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.

According to the Toxnet database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the oral LD50 for zinc is close to 3 g/kg body weight, more than 10-fold higher than cadmium and 50-fold higher than mercury .

The LD50 values of several zinc compounds (ranging from 186 to 623 mg zinc/kg/day) have been measured in rats and mice .

Precaution

Avoid long-term therapy particularly in infant & children; the treated area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Avoid contact with eyes.

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.

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).

A pharmacokinetic study was done in rats to determine the distribution and other metabolic indexes of zinc in two particle sizes. It was found that zinc particles were mainly distributed to organs including the liver, lung, and kidney within 72 hours without any significant difference being found according to particle size or rat gender .

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.

Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine by a carrier-mediated mechanism . Under regular physiologic conditions, transport processes of uptake do not saturate. The exact amount of zinc absorbed is difficult to determine because zinc is secreted into the gut. Zinc administered in aqueous solutions to fasting subjects is absorbed quite efficiently (at a rate of 60-70%), however, absorption from solid diets is less efficient and varies greatly, dependent on zinc content and diet composition .

Generally, 33% is considered to be the average zinc absorption in humans . More recent studies have determined different absorption rates for various populations based on their type of diet and phytate to zinc molar ratio. Zinc absorption is concentration dependent and increases linearly with dietary zinc up to a maximum rate [L20902].

Additionally zinc status may influence zinc absorption. Zinc-deprived humans absorb this element with increased efficiency, whereas humans on a high-zinc diet show a reduced efficiency of absorption .

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.

The half-life of zinc in humans is approximately 280 days .

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.

In one study of healthy patients, the clearance of zinc was found to be 0.63 ± 0.39 μg/min .

Elimination Route

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.

The excretion of zinc through gastrointestinal tract accounts for approximately one-half of all zinc eliminated from the body .

Considerable amounts of zinc are secreted through both biliary and intestinal secretions, however most is reabsorbed. This is an important process in the regulation of zinc balance. Other routes of zinc excretion include both urine and surface losses (sloughed skin, hair, sweat) .

Zinc has been shown to induce intestinal metallothionein, which combines zinc and copper in the intestine and prevents their serosal surface transfer. Intestinal cells are sloughed with approximately a 6-day turnover, and the metallothionein-bound copper and zinc are lost in the stool and are thus not absorbed .

Measurements in humans of endogenous intestinal zinc have primarily been made as fecal excretion; this suggests that the amounts excreted are responsive to zinc intake, absorbed zinc and physiologic need .

In one study, elimination kinetics in rats showed that a small amount of ZnO nanoparticles was excreted via the urine, however, most of the nanoparticles were excreted via the feces .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids and should not be used extensively for a prolonged period. Caution should be excercised when topical corticosteroids are administered in nursing women.

Contraindication

Betamethasone is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. Betamethasone Eye/Ear/Nasal Drops is contraindicated in Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye; known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient; red eye due to unknown causes; viral or fungal infections in the treatment area; tuberculosis, glaucoma etc.

Acute Overdose

Long-term intensive topical use may lead to systemic effects

Storage Condition

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

Innovators Monograph

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