RiteMED Betamethasone Dipropionate Special Precautions

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
In case of significant systemic absorption, measures of 17 hydrocorticosteroids of urine free cortisol may decrease as well as the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, especially in children.
Eosinophil count may decrease if plasma concentration of cortisol decreases. The glucose concentration in the blood may also increase.
No adequate studies have been conducted to determine the possibility of teratogenicity from topical corticosteroids.
Topical corticosteroids should be used for limited periods of time.
Mutagenicity studies with other corticosteroids have given negative results.
Use in Children: Children have larger skin surface area to body weight ratio compared to adult; therefore, children are likely to absorb higher quantities of corticosteroid than older patients.
Absorption is also higher in premature infants than newborn babies due to incomplete development of the stratus corneum.
Cushing's syndrome, intracranial hypertension and growth retardation due to systemic absorption of corticosteroids have been reported. Caution is needed when topical corticosteroids are applied to children and growing adolescents, especially if there are factors that will increase absorption. In such cases, low potency corticosteroids are recommended.
Use in the Elderly: No studies in topical corticosteroids have been carried out regarding the geriatric population. Elderly-specific problems are not expected to limit their usefulness. However, there is a tendency to have pre-existing skin atrophy related to age. Skin injuries may be consequently more prevalent in elderly people when using topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids should not be used frequently and only for short periods of time under strict medical supervision.