โ Active Ingredient Overview Table:
| ๐ฌ Active Ingredients: | Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% w/w, Gentamicin Sulfate 0.1% w/w, Miconazole Nitrate 2% w/w |
|---|---|
| ๐ Indication: | Inflamed Dermatoses with Secondary Bacterial/Fungal Infection |
| ๐บ๐ธ US Brand Equivalent: | Comparable standalone components: Diprolene (Betamethasone), Gentak (Gentamicin), Monistat (Miconazole) |
| ๐ญ Manufacturer: | GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Founded: 2000) |
| ๐ฆ Packaging: | 20 g Ointment Tube |
| ๐ Delivery Time: | 6โ15 days |
๐ฟ What Is Betnovate GM Ointment?
Betnovate GM Ointment merges a potent topical corticosteroid (Betamethasone Valerate 0.1%) with an aminoglycoside antibiotic (Gentamicin Sulfate 0.1%) and an imidazole antifungal (Miconazole Nitrate 2%). This triโaction formulation is indicated for inflammatory skin disorders complicated by mixed bacterial and fungal infectionsโsuch as tineaโassociated eczemas, interdigital fungal intertrigo with secondary bacterial overgrowth, and impetiginized psoriasis. Betamethasone reduces inflammation and itching, gentamicin eradicates susceptible Gramโnegative and some Gramโpositive bacteria, and miconazole targets dermatophytes and Candida species, facilitating rapid lesion clearance and symptom relief.
๐งฌ Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
| Component | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% | โข Binds glucocorticoid receptors โ downregulates inflammatory cytokines (ILโ1, TNFโฮฑ) โข Inhibits leukocyte migration โ reduces erythema, edema, and pruritus |
| Gentamicin Sulfate 0.1% | โข Binds 30S ribosomal subunit โ inhibits protein synthesis โ bactericidal against Pseudomonas, E. coli, Staph. spp. |
| Miconazole Nitrate 2% | โข Inhibits lanosterol 14ฮฑ-demethylase โ disrupts ergosterol synthesis โ fungistatic/fungicidal against dermatophytes and yeasts (Candida) |
| Ointment Base | โข Semi-occlusive emollient vehicle โ enhances penetration of active ingredients and maintains moist environment for healing |
๐ก Indications & Application Guidelines
| Condition | Application Regimen |
|---|---|
| TineaโAssociated Eczema (Dermatophyte plus Bacterial Overgrowth) | โข Cleanse and pat dry affected area. โข Apply a thin layer of Betnovate GM Ointment 2ร daily (morning and evening) for 7โ10 days. โข Discontinue gentamicin and miconazole components after 7โ10 days; continue betamethasone alone if inflammation persists (max 14 days total). |
| Intertrigo with Secondary Infection (Bacterial and Candida) | โข Gently cleanse; apply Betnovate GM Ointment to affected sites twice daily for 5โ7 days. โข If fungal elements persist, switch to miconazole monoโtherapy after initial combination phase. |
| Impetiginized Psoriatic Lesions with Fungal Colonization | โข Clean and dry plaques; apply thin layer twice daily for 7 days. โข After bacterial/fungal resolution, continue betamethasone for inflammation control (max 14 days total). |
- Preparation: Wash hands and lesion with mild soap; pat dry.
- Application: Dispense a pearlโsized amount onto fingertip; spread evenly to cover entire lesion and margin.
- Frequency: Twice dailyโmorning and evening. Adjust based on tolerance; if irritation occurs, reduce to once daily.
- Duration: Combination therapy limited to 7โ10 days; steroid component may continue up to 14 days under supervision.
Avoid occlusive dressings unless prescribed. Discontinue if severe irritation, hypersensitivity, or worsening infection occurs. Do not apply to mucous membranes, open deep wounds, or ophthalmic regions.
โ ๏ธ Warnings & Side Effects
Common:
- Burning or stinging upon application
- Erythema, dryness, peeling
- Folliculitis
Less Common:
- Contact dermatitis (allergic)
- Hypopigmentation
- Local candidal overgrowth if used beyond recommended duration
Serious (Rare):
- Skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia (with prolonged steroid use)
- HPA axis suppression (especially under occlusion or on large areas)
- Nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity (rare systemic absorption of gentamicin if applied to extensive areas)
Precautions:
- Limit gentamicin use to โค10 days to reduce resistance risk and nephrotoxicity; monitor for signs of ototoxicity (tinnitus, hearing loss) if applied extensively.
- Restrict betamethasone to โค14 days to prevent skin atrophy and systemic effects.
- Use miconazole for โค10 days; extended use may cause local irritation or promote resistant fungal strains.
- Avoid use in children <2 years without pediatric dermatologist oversight.
- Discontinue if hypersensitivity reactions (rash, swelling, severe pruritus) occur.
Inform patients to notify if signs of systemic toxicity (e.g., dizziness, auditory changes) or persistent infection appear.
๐ฅ Storage Instructions
Store Betnovate GM Ointment at 20โ25ยฐC (68โ77ยฐF) in its original tube. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Ensure cap is tightly closed after each use. Discard 6 months after opening. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
๐ Availability & Purchasing
- United States: No direct combination product; components (Betamethasone, Gentamicin, Miconazole) available separately by prescription. Combination compounding feasible in specialized pharmacies under physician order.
- United Kingdom & EU: Prescription required; combination topical steroid/antibiotic/antifungal products are prescriptionโonly. Dermatologists commonly prescribe similar tripleโaction ointments.
- Australia: Prescription mandatory; tripleโagent topical formulations available by dermatologist prescription.
Importing Betnovate GM from India may offer cost advantages. Ensure compliance with local importation and customs regulations; maintain valid prescription documentation to prevent delays.
๐ Authoritative Resources
- FDA: Topical Corticosteroids Overview
- Drugs.com: Betamethasone Valerate Monograph
- Drugs.com: Gentamicin Monograph
- Drugs.com: Miconazole Monograph
๐ Related Topical Combination Therapies (Indian Brands)
- Betnovate C Ointment โ Betamethasone + Clioquinol for infected dermatoses.
- Betnovate N Ointment โ Betamethasone + Neomycin for bacterial dermatitis.
- Betnovate S Ointment โ Betamethasone + Salicylic Acid for hyperkeratotic lesions.
- Betnovate GM Ointment โ Betamethasone + Gentamicin + Miconazole for mixed infections.
๐ฅ Educational Video on TripleโAction Topical Therapy
Understand how Betnovate GMโs combination approach accelerates healing in mixed infections:
๐ฉโโ๏ธ Expert Insight: Dr. Sangeeta Patel, Dermatologist
โBetnovate GMโs inclusion of gentamicin and miconazole alongside a potent corticosteroid offers comprehensive coverage for mixed fungal and bacterial infections on an inflamed base. Itโs crucial to limit duration to avoid resistance and minimize systemic absorption.โ




