About Betnovate-N Cream
Betnovate-N Cream contains Betamethasone (as Valerate) 0.1% + Neomycin 0.5%. This cream combines betamethasone, a strong corticosteroid (steroid), with neomycin, an antibiotic. It is used on the skin to treat inflamed, itchy skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis when a bacterial infection is present or likely. It is meant for short-term use on small areas.
Uses of Betnovate-N Cream
- Eczema and dermatitis with bacterial infection
- Other inflamed skin conditions that respond to steroids, when infection is present or likely
Benefits
In infected inflammatory skin conditions
The steroid reduces redness, swelling and itching, while the antibiotic treats the bacteria on the skin. Use it only for as long as your doctor advises.
Side effects
Side effects are less likely when it is used thinly, on small areas, for a short time.
Common
- Burning or stinging where applied
- Itching
- Dry skin
Get medical help if you notice
- Rash, redness or swelling that gets worse (possible allergy to the cream, especially to neomycin) — stop using it and contact your doctor
- Thinning of the skin, stretch marks or visible small blood vessels with long use — contact your doctor
- Hearing problems or ringing in the ears, if used on large or broken areas — stop using it and contact your doctor
- Blurred vision or other eyesight changes — contact your doctor
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Wash and dry your hands. Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only and rub in gently. Wash your hands afterwards unless the hands are being treated. Do not cover the area with a tight bandage unless your doctor says so. Keep it away from your eyes. Do not use it on the face for long, or on large areas or broken skin unless advised.
How it works
Betamethasone is a steroid that calms the skin's inflammatory response, reducing swelling, redness and itch. Neomycin is an antibiotic that kills many types of bacteria by stopping them from making proteins.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it, on small areas for a short time. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor first. Do not apply it to the breasts.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Caution
If used on large or broken areas, neomycin can be absorbed and may affect the kidneys. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss an application, apply it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next one, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra cream to make up.
Quick tips
- Use a thin layer and only for as long as your doctor advises.
- Do not use it on fungal infections, cold sores, chickenpox, acne or rosacea.
- Avoid using it on the face, near the eyes or in skin folds unless your doctor has said to.
- Use it on children only if a doctor has prescribed it.
- See your doctor if your skin does not improve within a week or gets worse.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Corticosteroid (betamethasone) + aminoglycoside (neomycin)
- Therapeutic class
- Dermatological
- Action class
- Potent topical corticosteroid + topical antibiotic
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Aminoglycoside antibiotic injections such as gentamicin or amikacin | If neomycin is absorbed, there is extra risk to hearing and kidneys |
| Ritonavir and itraconazole | May increase steroid effects in the body |
| Other creams or ointments on the same area | Can change how the medicine works; ask your doctor before mixing products |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Betamethasone valerate and neomycin sulphate cream prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Betamethasone and neomycin cream Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.