โ Active Ingredient Overview Table:
| ๐ฌ Active Ingredient (Generic Name): | Betamethasone Dipropionate |
|---|---|
| ๐ Indication: | Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatological Conditions, Inflammatory and Pruritic Disorders |
| ๐บ๐ธ US Brand Equivalent: | Diprolene (Betamethasone Dipropionate) |
| ๐ญ Manufacturer: | GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Founded: 2000) |
| ๐ฆ Packaging: | 20 Tablets per Strip |
| ๐งช Strength: | 1 mg |
| ๐ Delivery Time: | 6โ15 days |
๐ฟ What is Betamethasone Dipropionate 1 mg (Betnesol Tablets)?
Betnesol 1 mg tablets contain betamethasone dipropionate, a potent synthetic corticosteroid. Systemic administration addresses severe inflammatory and autoimmune dermatological conditions, such as severe psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and lichen planus. Betamethasone works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-ฮฑ), and inhibiting leukocyte migration. As a result, patients experience rapid reduction in inflammation, pruritus, and erythema.
High-potency systemic corticosteroids like betamethasone dipropionate are reserved for short-term use due to potential systemic side effects. However, their efficacy in controlling acute exacerbations makes them invaluable in dermatology and other inflammatory conditions.
๐งฌ Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C28H37FO7 |
| Molecular Weight | 504.59 g/mol |
| Mode of Action | Binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors โ translocates to nucleus โ modulates gene transcription โ decreases production of inflammatory mediators โ vasoconstriction reduces erythema |
| Receptor Affinity | High affinity for glucocorticoid receptors; minimal mineralocorticoid activity |
| Potency Class | Systemic Potent Corticosteroid |
๐ก Indications & Usage
| Condition | Usage |
|---|---|
| Severe Psoriasis | โข Initial dose: 1 mg once daily for 5โ7 days. โข Taper by 0.5 mg every 3 days based on clinical response. |
| Severe Atopic Dermatitis | โข 1 mg once daily for 5 days; assess response. โข Gradually taper over 1โ2 weeks to prevent rebound flares. |
| Lichen Planus & Other Autoimmune Dermatoses | โข 1 mg once daily for up to 7 days. โข Continue taper based on symptom resolution and physician guidance. |
| Severe Eczematous Dermatitis with Secondary Infection* | โข 1 mg once daily for 5 days; treat infection separately; taper as inflammation resolves.* |
- Administration: Swallow tablet whole with water. – Timing: Take in the morning to mimic diurnal cortisol rhythm and reduce HPA axis suppression. – Tapering: Essential to prevent adrenal insufficiency; adjust dose based on clinical improvement. – Duration: Short-term use (โค14 days) recommended. Long-term use requires specialist supervision.
โ ๏ธ Warnings & Side Effects
Common:
- Weight gain, fluid retention
- Hyperglycemia
- Mood changes (euphoria, depression)
- Insomnia
Less Common:
- Hypertension
- Acneiform eruptions
- Hirsutism
Serious (Rare):
- HPA axis suppression โ adrenal insufficiency
- Cushingoid features (moon face, truncal obesity)
- Osteoporosis with prolonged use
- Peptic ulcer disease exacerbation
- Psychological disturbances (psychosis, severe depression)
Precautions:
- Monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight during therapy.
- Taper gradually to avoid adrenal crisis.
- Use with caution in patients with diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, and osteoporosis.
- Avoid live vaccines during systemic corticosteroid therapy.
- Elderly and pediatric patients require close monitoring due to increased risk of growth suppression (in children) and osteoporosis (in elderly).
- Discontinue if severe adverse effects or infection signs appear; treat underlying infection first.
๐ฅ Storage Instructions
Store Betnesol Tablets at 20โ25ยฐC in original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
๐ Availability & Purchasing
- United States: Betamethasone dipropionate tablets are prescription-only; similar systemic corticosteroids available with physician guidance.
- United Kingdom & EU: Prescription required; potent systemic corticosteroids prescribed by dermatologists or general practitioners.
- Australia: Schedule 4 (prescription-only) systemic corticosteroids; available under specialist care.
Importing Betnesol Tablets from India may be cost-effective under personal importation schemes. Ensure valid prescription and compliance with customs regulations to prevent delays.
๐ Authoritative Resources
๐ Internal Links to Related Dermatological Therapies (Indian Brands)
- Betnovate Ointment โ Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% topical for localized inflammation.
- Fucibet Cream โ Fusidic Acid + Betamethasone Valerate topical for infected eczema.
- Calutide 50 mg โ Bicalutamide; different therapeutic class but relevant in systemic anti-inflammatory contexts.
- Azoran 75 mg โ Azathioprine for autoimmune dermatological diseases; steroid-sparing agent.
๐ฅ Educational Video on Systemic Corticosteroids
๐จโโ๏ธ Expert Insight: Dr. Sangeeta Patel, Dermatologist
โSystemic betamethasone dipropionate is highly effective for acute flares of severe dermatological conditions. However, its potency necessitates careful short-term use, gradual tapering, and vigilant monitoring to avoid adrenal suppression and other systemic side effects.โ








