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betamethasone dipropionate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betamethasone Dipropionate | .5 mg/g | 308714 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 215 members |
| Corticosteroid [EPC] | EPC | All 215 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215847-001 | BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE | OINTMENT | BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | April 12, 2022 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251119). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age or older. Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age and older. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment to the affected skin areas once or twice daily. Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a super-high-potency topical corticosteroid. Treatment with Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment should not exceed 50 g per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after each application. Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is for topical use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once or twice daily. ( 2 ) Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. ( 2 ) Limit therapy to no more than 2 consecutive weeks. ( 2 ) Use no more than 50 g per week. ( 2 ) Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. ( 2 ) Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. ( 2 ) Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Ointment, 0.05%. Each gram of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, 0.05% contains 0.643 mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in a white to off-white ointment base. Ointment, 0.05% ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone dipropionate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation. Hypersensitivity to any component of this medicine. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Effects on endocrine system: Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment can cause reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and after withdrawal of treatment. Risk factor(s) include the use of high-potency topical corticosteroids, use over a large surface area or to areas under occlusion, prolonged use, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and use in pediatric patients. Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Effects on Endocrine System Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or after withdrawal of treatment. Factors that predispose to HPA axis suppression include the use of high-potency steroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age. Evaluation for HPA axis suppression may be done by using the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. In a trial evaluating the effects of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment on the HPA axis, at 14 g per day, Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment was shown to suppress the plasma levels of adrenal cortical hormones following repeated application to diseased skin in subjects with psoriasis. These effects were reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. At 7 g per day, Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment was shown to cause minimal inhibition of the HPA axis when applied 2 times daily for 2 to 3 weeks in healthy subjects and in subjects with psoriasis and eczematous disorders. With 6 g to 7 g of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment applied once daily for 3 weeks, no significant inhibition of the HPA axis was observed in subjects with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as measured by plasma cortisol and 24-hour urinary 17-hydroxy-corticosteroid levels. If HPA axis suppression is documented, gradually withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute with a less potent corticosteroid. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Cushing's syndrome and hyperglycemia may also occur with topical corticosteroids. These events are rare and generally occur after prolonged exposure to excessively large doses, especially of high-potency topical corticosteroids. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . 5.2 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions Use of topical corticosteroids, including Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported postmarketing with the use of topical corticosteroid products, including Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Avoid contact of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment with eyes. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. 5.3 Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation. Such an observation should be corroborated with appropriate diagnostic patch testing. If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (<1%) are: erythema, folliculitis, pruritus, and vesiculation. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In controlled clinical trials, adverse reactions associated with the use of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment reported at a frequency of less than 1% included erythema, folliculitis, pruritus, and vesiculation. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Postmarketing reports for local adverse reactions to topical corticosteroids may also include: skin atrophy, telangiectasias, burning, irritation, dryness, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, hypertrichosis, striae, and miliaria. Hypersensitivity reactions, consisting of predominantly skin signs and symptoms, e.g., contact dermatitis, pruritus, bullous dermatitis, and erythematous rash have been reported. Ophthalmic adverse reactions of cataracts, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with the use of topical corticosteroids, including topical betamethasone products.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment use in pregnant women to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birthweight infants with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy. Advise pregnant women that Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment may increase the risk of having a low birthweight infant and to use Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible. In animal reproduction studies, increased malformations, including umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate, were observed after intramuscular administration of betamethasone dipropionate to pregnant rabbits. The available data do not allow the calculation of relevant comparisons between the systemic exposure of betamethasone dipropionate in animal studies to the systemic exposure that would be expected in humans after topical use of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment (see Data ) . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Betamethasone dipropionate has been shown to cause malformations in rabbits when given by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.05 mg/kg. The abnormalities observed included umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data regarding the presence of betamethasone dipropionate in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production after topical application of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment to women who are breastfeeding. It is possible that topical administration of betamethasone dipropionate could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . 8.4 Pediatric Use Use of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment in pediatric patients younger than 13 years of age is not recommended due to the potential for HPA axis suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In an open-label HPA axis safety trial in subjects 3 months to 12 years of age with atopic dermatitis, DIPROLENE ® AF Cream 0.05% was applied twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks over a mean body surface area of 58% (range 35% to 95%). In 19 of 60 (32%) evaluable subjects, adrenal suppression was indicated by either a ≤5 mcg/dL pre-stimulation cortisol, or a cosyntropin post-stimulation cortisol ≤18 mcg/dL and/or an increase of <7 mcg/dL from the baseline cortisol. Out of the 19 subjects with HPA axis suppression, 4 subjects were tested 2 weeks after discontinuation of DIPROLENE AF Cream, and 3 of the 4 (75%) had complete recovery of HPA axis function. The proportion of subjects with adrenal suppression in this trial was progressively greater, the younger th …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Corticosteroids play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation, and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment in corticosteroid responsive dermatoses is unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION: Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream, Ointment and Lotion contain betamethasone dipropionate USP, a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid, for dermatologic use. Betamethasone, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of glucocorticoid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity. Betamethasone dipropionate is a white to cream white odorless crystalline powder insoluble in water. Chemically, it is 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate. The structural formula is: Each gram of the 0.05% Cream contains 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in a soft, white, hydrophilic cream of purified water, mineral oil, white petrolatum, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, cetostearyl alcohol, monobasic sodium phosphate (monohydrate); chlorocresol is present as a preservative. Sodium hydroxide or phosphoric acid solution to adjust pH, if required. Each gram of the 0.05% Ointment contains 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in an ointment base of mineral oil and white petrolatum. Each gram of the 0.05% Lotion contains 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in a vehicle of isopropyl alcohol and purified water slightly thickened with carbomer 934P. Sodium hydroxide solution to adjust pH, if required. Structural Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE: Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (See PRECAUTIONS ).
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Each gram contains betamethasone dipropionate, USP 0.64 mg equivalent to betamethasone, 0.5 mg. Betamethasone dipropionate ointment USP, 0.05% is supplied as: NDC 72578-093-01 in tube of 15 g NDC 72578-093-06 in tube of 45 g Storage: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light and freezing. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-304-5011 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-0236-0 | 50090-0236 | A-S Medication Solutions | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (50090-0236-0) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | June 29, 2016 |
| 0472-0381-15 | 0472-0381 | Actavis Pharma, Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0472-0381-15) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | February 1, 1997 |
| 0472-0381-45 | 0472-0381 | Actavis Pharma, Inc. | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0472-0381-45) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | February 1, 1997 |
| 63629-9323-1 | 63629-9323 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (63629-9323-1) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | July 7, 2022 |
| 63629-9324-1 | 63629-9324 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (63629-9324-1) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | July 7, 2022 |
| 71335-2715-1 | 71335-2715 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (71335-2715-1) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | July 28, 2025 |
| 72162-1415-2 | 72162-1415 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (72162-1415-2) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | March 12, 2024 |
| 72162-1415-4 | 72162-1415 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (72162-1415-4) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | March 12, 2024 |
| 0168-0056-15 | 0168-0056 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0168-0056-15) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | September 4, 1984 |
| 0168-0056-46 | 0168-0056 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0168-0056-46) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | September 4, 1984 |
| 45802-505-14 | 45802-505 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (45802-505-14) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | May 20, 2022 |
| 45802-505-84 | 45802-505 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (45802-505-84) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | May 20, 2022 |
| 66993-897-15 | 66993-897 | Prasco Laboratories | 1 TUBE in 1 BOX (66993-897-15) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | June 1, 2021 |
| 66993-897-49 | 66993-897 | Prasco Laboratories | 1 TUBE in 1 BOX (66993-897-49) / 50 g in 1 TUBE | June 1, 2021 |
| 72578-093-01 | 72578-093 | Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (72578-093-01) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | July 20, 2020 |
| 72578-093-06 | 72578-093 | Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (72578-093-06) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | July 20, 2020 |
| 70771-1550-1 | 70771-1550 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (70771-1550-1) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | July 20, 2020 |
| 70771-1550-4 | 70771-1550 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (70771-1550-4) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | July 20, 2020 |
| 50090-0236 | 50090-0236 | A-S Medication Solutions | — | September 4, 1984 |
| 0472-0381 | 0472-0381 | Actavis Pharma, Inc. | — | February 1, 1997 |
| 63629-9323 | 63629-9323 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | May 20, 2022 |
| 63629-9324 | 63629-9324 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | May 20, 2022 |
| 71335-2715 | 71335-2715 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | May 20, 2022 |
| 72162-1415 | 72162-1415 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | May 20, 2022 |
| 0168-0056 | 0168-0056 | E. Fougera & Co. a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, LLC | — | September 4, 1984 |
| 45802-505 | 45802-505 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | — | May 20, 2022 |
| 66993-897 | 66993-897 | Prasco Laboratories | — | June 1, 2021 |
| 72578-093 | 72578-093 | Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc | — | July 20, 2020 |
| 70771-1550 | 70771-1550 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | — | July 20, 2020 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.