Betamethasone + Gentamicin

Topical/Cutaneous
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses with secondary infection

Hypersensitivity. Viral diseases (e.g. varicella, herpes simplex, vaccinia), TB of the skin.

Pregnancy and lactation.

Significant: Adrenal suppression (particularly when used in younger children or patients receiving high doses for prolonged periods), allergic contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity reactions, local sensitisation (redness, irritation), secondary bacterial or fungal superinfection (prolonged use), visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision), posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma, hyperglycaemia, glycosuria; delayed weight gain, intracranial hypertension, growth retardation in children. Rarely, Cushing syndrome, central serous chorioretinopathy.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, dryness, burning, itching, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, maceration of the skin.

Monitor HPA axis suppression and adrenal insufficiency (particularly in children), ocular symptoms.

Betamethasone: May suppress the flare and wheal reactions to skin test antigens.

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions. It induces the phospholipase A₂ inhibitory proteins (lipocortins) and sequentially inhibits the release of arachidonic acid, thus leading to reduction of the formation, release, and activity of endogenous chemical mediators of inflammation (e.g. kinins, histamine, prostaglandins, liposomal enzymes).
Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic which interferes with the bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S and 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thus rendering the bacterial cell membrane defective.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Betamethasone: Absorbed percutaneously (variable).
Gentamicin: Absorbed (systemic) following topical administration on denuded skin and burns.
Metabolism: Betamethasone: Metabolised in the liver.
Excretion: Betamethasone: Via urine and bile.

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Betamethasone, CID=9782, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Betamethasone (accessed on Jan. 21, 2020)

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3467, Gentamicin. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Gentamicin. Accessed Aug. 18, 2023.

Store below 30°C. Protect from strong light.

Topical Anti-Infectives with Corticosteroids

D07CC01 - betamethasone and antibiotics ; Belongs to the class of potent (group III) corticosteroids, in combination with antibiotics. Used in the treatment of dermatological diseases.

Anon. Betamethasone (Topical). Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 07/04/2021.

Anon. Betamethasone and Gentamicin. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 07/04/2021.

Anon. Gentamicin (Topical). Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 07/04/2021.

Beprogent Ointment/Cream (HOE Pharmaceuticals Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 07/04/2021.

Buckingham R (ed). Betamethasone. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 07/04/2021.

Buckingham R (ed). Gentamicin Sulfate. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 07/04/2021.

Diprogenta Cream and Ointment (Merck Sharp & Dohme [Malaysia] Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 07/04/2021.