Betamethasone

Dosage and Administration:

Adult, Elderly, and children over 1 years:
Ointments are especially appropriate for dry, lichenified or scaly lesions.
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 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. Therapy with betamethasone valerate 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.