Brand Name
Betaderm
Common Name
betamethasone valerate
In this drug factsheet:
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Betamethasone valerate belongs to the class of medications called topical corticosteroids. It is used to treat skin irritation and itch caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and seborrhea. It works by reducing redness, inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the skin.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Cream or ointment: Apply enough cream or ointment to completely cover the affected area with a thin film. Massage it gently and thoroughly into the skin. This medication is usually applied once daily in the morning, or twice daily (in the morning and at night) as directed by the doctor. The treatment should be stopped when the condition is cleared. The medication should not be continued for a period longer than 4 weeks without further consultation with your doctor.
Lotion: Apply a few drops of lotion or enough to thinly cover the affected area. The lotion should be gently massaged into the area until it disappears. The lotion is usually applied once or twice.
Wash your hands after applying this medication unless you are treating your hands.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Shake the lotion well before applying it to the affected area.
Do not cover the area with an occlusive dressing (a dressing that doesn't breathe) unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Avoid applying the medication in or near the eyes.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an application, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next application, skip the missed application and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
0.05% Cream
Each gram contains betamethasone as betamethasone 17-valerate 0.05% in a water washable aqueous base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ceteareth-15, cetyl alcohol, chlorocresol, mineral oil, phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol 1000, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, and white petrolatum.
0.1% Cream
Each gram contains betamethasone as betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1% in a water washable aqueous base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetyl alcohol, chlorocresol, mineral oil, phosphoric acid, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate monobasic, stearyl alcohol, and white petrolatum
0.05% Ointment
Each gram contains betamethasone as betamethasone 17-valerate 0.05%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: fractionated coconut oil, white petrolatum, and chlorocresol as a preservative.
0.1% Ointment
Each gram contains betamethasone as betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: fractionated coconut oil, white petrolatum, and chlorocresol as a preservative.
Scalp Lotion
Each gram contains betamethasone as betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carbomer, isopropyl alcohol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to betamethasone or any ingredients of the medication
- have a skin infection caused by viruses, including herpes simplex, vaccinia, and varicella (chickenpox)
- have had an allergic reaction to other corticosteroid medications
- have untreated infected skin lesions caused by an infection with fungi or bacteria
- have tuberculosis of the skin
Do not apply this medication around the mouth, to the eye, or on or around the anal and genital area.
