Betnovate N 20gm Cream

Betnovate-N Cream is a topical medication used to treat a variety of inflammatory and itchy skin conditions that are complicated by or suspected of being infected with bacteria.

Here's a breakdown of its description, uses, and important considerations:

Active Ingredients:

Betnovate-N Cream is a combination of two active ingredients:

1. Betamethasone Valerate (0.1% w/w): This is a potent corticosteroid (a type of steroid). It works by reducing inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling in the skin. It achieves this by suppressing the immune response in the affected area and inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances.

2. Neomycin Sulphate (0.5% w/w): This is an antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside class. It works by killing susceptible bacteria by interfering with their protein synthesis. It is effective against a range of bacteria commonly responsible for skin infections.

Manufacturer:

• It is typically manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Key Uses:

Betnovate-N Cream is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions where there is a secondary bacterial infection, or where there's a high risk of one developing. This includes:

• Eczema: Various types of eczema, including atopic eczema, infantile eczema, and discoid eczema, especially if infected.

• Psoriasis: Certain forms of psoriasis, excluding widespread plaque psoriasis.

• Dermatitis: Conditions like contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis, particularly when a bacterial infection is present.

• Prurigo Nodularis: Hard, itchy lumps on the skin.

• Neurodermatoses: Such as lichen simplex chronicus.

• Insect Bites: Severe reactions to insect bites that show signs of bacterial infection.

• Prickly Heat (Miliaria): When complicated by infection.

• Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Where secondary bacterial infection is present, suspected, or likely to occur.

How it Works:

The combination of betamethasone and neomycin provides a dual action:

• The betamethasone reduces the inflammation, itching, and redness.

• The neomycin fights off any bacterial infection that is present or could develop, helping to clear the infection and prevent it from worsening.

Important Considerations:

• Topical Use Only: This cream is for external application on the skin only. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.

• Dosage and Application:

  • A thin layer of the cream should be gently applied to the affected area(s) two or three times daily, or as directed by a doctor.

  • Continue treatment until improvement occurs, then the frequency may be reduced to once daily or less often.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after application, unless the hands are the area being treated.

  • Do not cover the treated area with occlusive dressings (like bandages) unless specifically instructed by a doctor, as this can increase absorption and the risk of side effects.

• Duration of Use: It should generally not be used for prolonged periods (e.g., more than 5 days for children, and generally not for more than 3-4 weeks for adults without medical supervision) due to the potential for side effects.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Burning sensation, itching, irritation, redness at the application site.

  • Less Common/With Prolonged Use: Skin thinning, stretch marks, changes in skin color, increased hair growth, acne-like eruptions, increased risk of fungal or bacterial infections (superinfection), Cushingoid features (e.g., moon face, central obesity) due to systemic absorption, adrenal suppression.

  • Neomycin Specific: Ototoxicity (damage to hearing) and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) can occur with significant systemic absorption, especially with long-term use or on large areas.

• Precautions:

  • Not for All Infections: It is not effective against fungal or viral skin infections.

  • Contraindications: Do not use in untreated viral skin infections (like herpes simplex, chickenpox), primary fungal or yeast infections, or in children under 1 or 2 years of age (depending on the specific product information).

  • Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to betamethasone, neomycin, or any other ingredients in the cream.

  • Systemic Absorption: Prolonged use over large areas, use on broken skin, or under occlusion can lead to systemic absorption of the steroid and neomycin, increasing the risk of systemic side effects.

  • Children: Use with caution in children, as they are more susceptible to systemic side effects. Limit duration of use and avoid occlusion.

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed and as advised by a doctor.

  • Flammability: The cream may contain paraffin, which is flammable. Keep away from naked flames and do not smoke while using it. Fabric that has come into contact with the product burns more easily.

• When to Consult a Doctor:

  • If symptoms do not improve within 7 days.

  • If symptoms worsen.

  • If you experience any signs of a new infection (e.g., increased redness, swelling, pus).

  • If you develop any signs of systemic side effects.

Always follow your doctor's instructions when using Betnovate-N Cream.