Betnovate N Skin Cream

Betnovate N is a topical steroid ointment manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Pharma. Betnovate N composition includes Betamethasone valerate (0.1%), Neomycin sulphate (3%) and a preservative called chlorocresol. It is devoid of parabens, lanolin and colouring agents. While Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that provides relief to inflammation, neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that inhibits secondary bacterial infections. Thus Betnovate N is widely used for its antimicrobial actions.

Benefits of Betnovate N are far reaching. It can treat  inflamed skin conditions. However, it should be stringently used to cure the given skin diseases. 

• It is used to treat bacterial skin infections and dermatitis. 
• It has been prescribed for certain microbial infections like Athlete’s Foot. 
• It tends to cause eczema (cracked itchy skin) and psoriasis (red scaly skin). 
• It treats infections on the external ear. 
• Severe insect bites can be cured by applying this ointment. 
• Heat rashes that irritate the skin can be calmed down by using this cream. 
• Sometimes the cream effectively treats allergies caused on the skin. 

However, the patient must refrain from scratching the infected area since it can further agitate the contagion.

Betnovate N is topically applied on the surface of the skin and therefore does not cause any severe side effects. The symptoms associated with its use are self-limiting and subsides as the body gets accustomed to it. For persistent side effects medical attention should be seeked. An exhaustive list of possible side effects of Betnovate N is provided below. 

• Burning sensation of skin
• Abnormalities in blood cell production
• Skin Pigmentation
• Skin Thinning
• Bilirubin in blood
• Rashes
• Itching
• Redness of skin
• Unusual sensations in eyes
• Skin inflammation
• Hypertrichosis
• Change in skin colour

Before initiating the treatment of this medicine, it is imperative to inform the doctor if the patient is currently using any related medicines or is suffering from underlying diseases. The following precautions should also be kept in mind.

Is it safe for patients with hypersensitivity?

Hypersensitivity: In case the patient is allergic to any of the components of this cream, he or she should refrain from using the ointment since it might become fatal.

Is it safe to prescribe this medicine to pregnant women?

Pregnancy: Although there is limited research to establish the adverse effects of this cream on pregnant women, the medicine is presumed to have adverse effects on the development of a baby. 

Is this medicine safe for a lactating woman who is breastfeeding her child?

Breastfeeding: This cream can be safely used by a breastfeeding woman provided the medicine does not come in direct contact to the infant’s skin. 

Is this medicine safe for people who consume alcohol regularly?

Alcohol: Studies do not fully confirm that alcohol might interfere with this medicine. However, alcohol consumption might delay the healing procedure.

Is it safe to use this cream for people with kidney and liver ailments?

Kidney & Liver: Yes, this cream is used for topical applications only and is therefore safe for people with kidney and liver ailments.

Does this medicine impair driving in any way?

Driving: No, this medicine does not impair driving in any way.

Is it safe to prescribe this medicine to people with high or low blood pressure?

Blood Pressure: Yes, this cream is perfectly safe for people suffering from high or low blood pressure.

Does this cream have an adverse effect on people suffering from Cushing’s syndrome?

Cushing’s Syndrome: Individuals experiencing manifestations of hypercortisolism might experience accelerated symptoms due to absorption of corticosteroids of this cream.

What are some other precautions that need to be taken when applying this cream?

Other Precautions: The medicine should be used with caution on infections around perforated eardrums. Moreover, this steroidal ointment can cause soreness and rashes if applied to sensitive areas and private parts. It is not advisable to wrap the infected area with an airtight bandage after applying this cream since it might make the area moist furthering bacterial growth. 

Is it safe for children?

Children: The medicine contraindicated in children below 2 years of age causing clinical impairments.

Co-administration of certain drugs can reverse their actions or cause health hazards. Though Betnovate N is externally applied on the skin surface, the Betnovate N composition interacts with the following drugs. 

• Ritonavir- This CYP3A4 inhibitor inhibits the action of corticosteroids and if leveraged on a high dose can incapacitate the efficacy of Betnovate N. 
• Aminoglycoside- Systemic aminoglycosides when applied simultaneously with Betnovate N reacts toxically with its neomycin sulphate component.  
• Insulin- Insulin hormone therapy is often charged during Type II Diabetes. However, it insulates the efficiency of Betnovate N. 
• Ciprofloxacin- It is an antibiotic used to cure bacterial infection and interacts with the antibacterial functioning of Betnovate N reducing its potency. 
• Amlodipine- Betnovate N must be used with caution along with this drug.