Betamethasone dipropionate

Betamethasone dipropionate
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
Routes of
administration		 Topical
Identifiers
Synonyms Betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate
CAS Number 5593-20-4 N
PubChem (CID) 21800
ChemSpider 20490 YesY
ChEBI CHEBI:31276 YesY
ChEMBL CHEMBL1200384 N
Chemical and physical data
Formula C28H37FO7
Molar mass 504.59 g/mol
3D model (Jmol) Interactive image
 NYesY (what is this?)  (verify)

Betamethasone dipropionate is a glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive abilities. It is applied as a topical cream, ointment, lotion or gel (Diprolene) to treat itching and other minor skin conditions such as eczema.

Brand names include Alphatrex, Beta-Val, Diprolene, Diprolene AF, Diprosone, Eleuphrat and Luxiq.

Minor side effects include dry skin and mild, temporary stinging when applied.[1]

Betamethasone dipropionate is a "super high potency" corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. It is a synthetic analog of the adrenal corticosteroids. Although its exact mechanism of action is not known, it is effective when applied topically to cortico-responsive inflammatory dermatoses.[2]

Adverse effects

Although the absorption of betamethasone dipropionate is small, when used for prolonged periods of time (periods exceeding two weeks), or across a large surface area (total use greater than 50 grams per week), it can have adverse effects. One such effect is the ability of the corticosteroid to suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.[2][3] This can lead to a depression in the release of adrenal hormones such as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Symptoms of HPA axis suppression are often subtle and variable. but can often be detected using simple blood or urine tests such at ACTH stimulation test or urinary free cortisol.[4] Those at increased risk for HPA axis suppression are those who are more likely to absorb more of the steroid through the skin. These groups include:

HPA axis suppression is preventable by supplementation with glucocorticosteroids. If HPA axis suppression occurs, it is often reversed shortly after discontinuation of treatment.[5]

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption of topical corticosteroids depends on several factors such as the vehicle, or delivery system used by the drug, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and whether or not an occlusive bandage is used in combination with the drug.[2]

The absorption of topical betamethasone dipropionate is theoretically minuscule; however, if absorbed it follows the same pharmacokinetic profile that is typical of systemic corticosteroids. It is metabolized primarily by the liver by hydrolysis to its metabolites B17P (primary) and betamethasone and the 6β-hydroxy derivatives of those metabolites, and it is excreted primarily by the kidneys.[2][6]

Chemistry

Betamethasone dipropionate is a white to almost white crystalline powder.

Regulation

Betamethasone dipropionate was patented by Merck in 1987 as an augmented cream/lotion, Diprolene in the U.S., and Disprosone in Europe.[7] These patents expired in 2003 and 2007 respectively leading to generic production of betamethasone dipropionate. During this time other topical corticosteroids such as triamcinolone acetonide and clobetasol propionate also became available as generic creams. Merck filed for "pediatric exclusivity" in 2001 launching a clinical trial to prove betamethasone dipropionate's safety and efficacy for use in pediatrics.[8]

Betamethasone has also been used in the formulation of recent combination procducts such as Luxiq, Lotrisone and Taclonex.

References

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