Beta-Val (Topical application)

Generic name:betamethasone valerate (topical application route) [ bay-ta-METH-a-sone-VAL-er-ate ]
Drug class:Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 13, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Betamethacot
• Beta-Val
• Luxiq
• Qualisone
• Valisone

In Canada

• Betacort Scalp Lotion
• Betnovate
• Betnovate-1/2
• Celestoderm-V
• Celestoderm-V/2
• Ectosone Mild-Lotion
• Ectosone Regular-Cream
• Ectosone Regular-Lotion
• Ectosone Scalp Lotion
• Metaderm Mild
• Metaderm Regular
• Novo-Betamet

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment
• Cream
• Lotion
• Foam

Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid, Intermediate

Pharmacologic Class: Betamethasone

Uses for Beta-Val

Betamethasone topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. Betamethasone foam is used for scalp problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Beta-Val

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of betamethasone topical in the pediatric population. However, because of this medicine's toxicity, it should be used with caution. Children may absorb large amounts through the skin, which can cause serious side effects. If your child is using this medicine, follow your doctor's instructions very carefully. For the foam form, safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of betamethasone topical in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around ...