Betnovate Scalp Solution

/ GSK

A small quantity of Betnovate Scalp Application should be applied to the scalp night and morning until improvement is noticeable. It may then be possible to sustain improvement by applying once a day, or less frequently.

Psoriasis, lichen simplex and planus, eczema, otitis externa, anal, vulval pruritis, seborrhea dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

Infections of the scalp.
Hypersensitivity to the preparation.
Use is not indicated in dermatoses in children under one year of age, including dermatitis.

Care must be taken to keep the preparation away from the eyes. Do not use near a naked flame.
Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided where possible, particularly in infants and children, as adrenal suppression can occur even without occlusion.
Topical corticosteroids may be hazardous in psoriasis for a number of reasons including rebound relapses, development of tolerance, risk of generalised pustular psoriasis and development of local or systemic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin. If used in psoriasis careful patient supervision is important.
Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be used whenever treating inflammatory lesions which have become infected. Any spread of infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy and systemic administration of antimicrobial agents. Bacterial infection is encouraged by the warm, moist conditions induced by occlusive dressings, and so the skin should be cleansed before a fresh dressing is applied.
Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development. The relevance of this finding to human beings has not been established; however, topical steroids should not be used extensively in pregnancy i.e., in large amounts or for prolonged periods.

As with other corticosteroids, prolonged use of large amounts or treatment of extensive areas, can result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce the features of hypercortisolism. This effect is more likely to occur in infants and children, and if occlusive dressings are used.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders – Common: Local skin burning and pruritus.
Local atrophy may occur after prolonged treatment.
In very rare instances, treatment of psoriasis with corticosteroids (or its withdrawal) is thought to have provoked the pustular form of the disease.
For full details see prescribing information.

Phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, aminoglutethimide, rifampicin. Thiazide and loop diuretics, cardiac glycosides, acetazolamide. Oral hypoglycemics, insulin, antihypertensives, anabolic steroids, ophthalmic idoxuridine. NSAIDs, aspirin, other salicylates, coumarin anticoagulants, vaccines, estrogens.
For full details see prescribing information.

Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development. The relevance of this finding to human beings has not been established; however, topical steroids should not be used extensively in pregnancy i.e., in large amounts or for prolonged periods.

Acute overdose is very unlikely to occur, however, in the case of chronic overdose or misuse the features of hypercortisolism may appear and in this situation topical steroids should be discontinued gradually under medical supervision because of the risk of adrenal insufficiency.