Diprolene (betamethasone dipropionate) vs. Topicort (desoximetasone): What’s the difference?
- Betamethasone and desoximetasone are corticosteroids used to relieve itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis.
- Brand names of betamethasone include Diprolene, Diprolene AF and Luxiq.
- A brand name for desoximetasone is Topicort.
- Side effects of betamethasone and desoximetasone that are similar include burning at the area of application, itching, irritation, and dryness.
- Side effects of desoximetasone that are different from betamethasone include inflamed hair follicles, rash around the mouth, allergic contact dermatitis, abnormal hair growth, acne, and skin lightening.
What is Betamethasone dipropionate? What is desoximetasone?
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid topical medication used for the relief of itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions in patients 13 years of age or older. Examples include allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis.
Desoximetasone is a topical (for the skin) corticosteroid used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and to treat other skin conditions that are responsive to corticosteroids. The naturally-occurring corticosteroid is cortisol or hydrocortisone produced by the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response.
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What are the side effects of betamethasone and desoximetasone?
Betamethasone
The most common side effects of betamethasone are:
- burning at the area of application,
- itching,
- irritation, and
- dryness.
Desoximetasone
Common side effects of Topicort include:
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dryness
Other side effects include:
- Folliculitis
- Perioral dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Abnormal hair growth
- Acneiform eruptions
- Hypopigmentation
Other less common side effects include:
- Striae
- Miliaria
Possible serious side effects include:
- Maceration of the skin
- Secondary infection
- Skin atrophy
Prolonged use (greater than two weeks) of high doses of Topicort can depress the ability of the body's adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping Topicort in these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, along with:
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What is the dosage of betamethasone vs. desoximetasone?
Betamethasone
- A thin strip of betamethasone cream or ointment is applied gently to the affected area once or twice daily.
- A few drops of the lotion is applied to the affected area once or twice daily.
- The lotion should be massaged gently until it disappears.
Large doses and prolonged use of betamethasone may cause large amounts to be absorbed into the body and suppress production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
Therefore, the lotion should not be used for longer than two weeks, and not more than 50 ml should be used per week. The augmented cream or ointment should be limited to 45 grams per week. Betamethasone should not be used with occlusive dressings because occlusive dressings increase absorption into the body.
Desoximetasone
- A thin film of Topicort should be applied to the affected areas twice daily.
- Using Topicort beyond 4 weeks is not advisable.
What drugs interact with betamethasone and desoximetasone?
Betamethasone
Combining topical steroids with topical anthralin may increase psoriasis symptoms. Therefore, topical steroids should be discontinued 1 week before starting anthralins.
Desoximetasone
There are no drug interactions listed for this product.
Are betamethasone and desoximetasone safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Betamethasone
Use of betamethasone in pregnant women has not been studied. When corticosteroids are given systemically (orally, intramuscularly or intravenously) to pregnant animals fetal abnormalities occur.
It is not known if betamethasone is secreted in breast milk. Corticosteroids absorbed into the body may appear in breast milk and may cause harmful effects in breast fed infants.
Desoximetasone
Topicort has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Pregnant patients should not use corticosteroids extensively, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.
It is not known if Topicort is secreted in breast milk.