Betnovate Dosage/Direction for Use

Pharmaceutical Form: Cream, Lotion.
Adults, Elderly and Children over 1 year: Creams are especially appropriate for moist or weeping surfaces.
Lotions are especially appropriate for treatment of hairy areas or when a minimal application to a large area is required.
Apply thinly and gently rub in using only enough to cover the entire affected area once or twice daily for up to 4 weeks until improvement occurs, then reduce the frequency of application or change the treatment to a less potent preparation. Allow adequate time for absorption after each application before applying an emollient.
In the more resistant lesions, such as the thickened plaques of psoriasis on elbows and knees, the effect of Betamethasone valerate (Betnovate) can be enhanced, if necessary, by occluding the treatment area with polythene film. Overnight occlusion only is usually adequate to bring about a satisfactory response in such lesions; thereafter, improvement can usually be maintained by regular application without occlusion.
If the condition worsens or does not improve within 2-4 weeks, treatment and diagnosis should be re-evaluated.
Due to the flammable nature of Betamethasone valerate (Betnovate) Lotion, patients should avoid smoking or being near an open flame during application and immediately after use.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema): Therapy with Betamethasone valerate (Betnovate) should be gradually discontinued once control is achieved and an emollient continued as maintenance therapy.
Rebound of pre-existing dermatoses can occur with abrupt discontinuation of Betamethasone valerate (Betnovate).
Recalcitrant dermatoses: Patients who frequently relapse: Once an acute episode has been treated effectively with a continuous course of topical corticosteroid, intermittent dosing (once daily, twice weekly, without occlusion) may be considered. This has been shown to be helpful in reducing the frequency of relapse.
Application should be continued to all previously affected sites or to known sites of potential relapse. This regime should be combined with routine daily use of emollients. The condition and the benefits and risks of continued treatment must be re-evaluated on a regular basis.
Children: Betamethasone valerate (Betnovate) is contraindicated in children under one year of age.
Children are more likely to develop local and systemic side effects of topical corticosteroids and, in general, require shorter courses and less potent agents than adults.
Care should be taken when using Betamethasone valerate (Betnovate) to ensure the amount applied is the minimum that provides therapeutic benefit.
Elderly: Clinical studies have not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. The greater frequency of decreased hepatic or renal function in the elderly may delay elimination if systemic absorption occurs. Therefore, the minimum quantity should be used for the shortest duration to achieve the desired clinical benefit.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: In case of systemic absorption (when application is over a large surface area for a prolonged period) metabolism and elimination may be delayed therefore increasing the risk of systemic toxicity. Therefore, the minimum quantity should be used for the shortest duration to achieve the desired clinical benefit.