Indication
This cream is indicated for the treatment of eczematous dermatoses including atopic eczema, discoid eczema, stasis eczema and seborrhoeic eczema when secondary bacterial infection is confirmed or suspected.
Pharmacology
Betamethasone is a topical fluorinated corticosteroid that has an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect. Fusidic acid is a potent topical antibacterial agent which is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci, Corynebacteria, Neiserria and certain Clostridia and Bacteroides.
Dosage
Apply this cream or ointment to the affected area twice daily. Max duration is 2 weeks.
Interaction
Fucidic Acid: Synergistic action with antistaphylococcal penicillin. Antagonism with ciprofloxacin.Betamethasone: Increased hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia with thiazide diuretics. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or Gl bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum cone 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.
Contradiction
Skin lesions of viral, fungal or bacterial origin (e.g. herpes or varicella), skin manifestations in relation to TB or syphilis, perioral dermatitis and rosacea, ulcerative condition.
Side Effect
Hypersensitivity, contact dermatitis, eczema (aggravated condition), skin burning sensation, pruritus, dry skin, application site pain or irritation. Rarely, erythema, urticaria (including rash erythematous and generalised rash), application site swelling or vesicles.
Pregnancy
Topical administration of any corticosteroid to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development. The relevance of this finding to human beings has not been established; however, topical steroids should not be used extensively in pregnancy, i.e. in large amounts or for prolonged periods
Precaution
May increase risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Stasis dermatitis and other skin disease w/ impaired circulation. Not to be used for >7 days if there is no clinical improvement. Avoid prolonged continuous treatment esp in infants and children. Pregnancy and lactation.
Overdose
Storage
Do not store above 25?§ C. Store in original container.