Betnovate C Cream

Betnovate C is an anti-amoebic steroidal skin cream manufactured by Glaxo Smithkline Pharma and belonging to the class of glucocorticoid medicines. The two core constituents of Betnovate C composition of the medicine are Betamethasone and Clioquinol. Betamethasone is essentially a steroid which inhibits the production of prostaglandins that cause redness and inflammation of skin tissue. Clioquinol or iodochlorhydroxyquin is a major antibiotic that has antibacterial properties. Thus Betnovate C benefits skin infections. 

Dermatologists prescribe Betnovate C cream to treat the following conditions. 

• Bacterial skin infection: Betnovate C blocks the reproduction of bacteria and fungi thereby fighting infection. The course needs to be followed stringently and even if the infection subsides the ointment needs to be applied regularly to prevent bacterial regrowth.  
• Fungal skin infection: Betnovate C stops the multiplication of fungus and relieves symptoms. Clioquinol works by blocking enzymes that help in DNA synthesis of fungi.  
• Inflammation and itching of skin: Skin conditions and swelling like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis can be tended to by the application of Betnovate C on the affected area. It reduces the chemical substances responsible for rashes and irritation. 
• Other skin conditions- Betnovate C cream benefits extend in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, leukemia and Crohn's disease.

Most side effects associated with Betnovate C are not severe and resolve as the body gets accustomed to the new medicine. In case the symptoms persist, a physician should be contacted. Some of the side effects include:

• Burning sensation on the affected area
• Itching
• Rashes
• Redness
• Skin pigmentation
• Excessive hair growth
• Skin thinning
• Skin dryness
• Appearance of stretch marks
• Alteration in skin colour

Like every other medicine one must be careful before initiating the treatment of Betnovate C. Certain warnings and precautions need to be kept in mind while using this.

Is it safe for patients with hypersensitivity?

Hypersensitivity: Allergic tendencies to any of the constituents of this medicine might cause fatal health hazards. 

Is it safe to prescribe this medicine to pregnant women?

Pregnancy: Use of this medicine during pregnancy might adversely affect the development of the foetus and should not be applied to large skin areas for an extended period of time. 

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

Breastfeeding: The ointment should not be applied to the areas around the breast of the mother who is breastfeeding since the infant might ingest it and fall sick. 

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.

Where not to apply this cream?

When not to use: The ointment should not be applied on stretch marks or on blood vessels since it might lead to further skin thinning. It can trigger skin ulcers if used on areas of skin with poor blood circulation. 

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Prolonged Use: This cream if used for an extended time period might cause skin dryness and skin wrinkling. 

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 medicine impair driving in any way?

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

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

Other Precautions: Applying this cream on areas around the eye can lead to cataracts or glaucoma if the medicine enters the eye. Moreover, post application of this cream, if the surface is covered by occlusive dressing then sweating might lead to skin rashes worsening the condition. 

Betnovate C being an ointment that is used on the skin externally rarely reacts with drugs inside the body. However, it is imperative to keep the doctor updated on the existing drugs and herbal preparations being taken by the patient to safeguard undesirable health hazards. Some of the possible interactions have been listed below. 

• Vigabatrin- The drug is administered to treat epilepsy and might reduce the efficacy of Betnovate C cream. 
• Ritonavir- Ritonavir is the miracle medicine used to cure HIV. Alternate ointments other than Betnovate C should  be prescribed to patients who are on this drug. 
• Itraconazole- This is leveraged during the treatment of fungal infections as well. Simultaneously applying it and Betnovate C cream might alter the actions of both and negatively affect the skin condition.