Betamethasone with Neomycin Cream

What is Betamethasone and Neomycin Cream and what is it used for?

This cream combines two types of medicines: betamethasone valerate and neomycin sulphate and it is the unbranded version of the discontinued brand Betnovate N cream and ointment. Each active ingredient has its own function. Betamethasone valerate is a strong corticosteroid. It reduces irritation and inflammation of the skin. Neomycin is an antibiotic, which helps reduce the risk of infection.

Betamethasone valerate and neomycin cream is used to treat skin conditions including; eczema, psoriasis, severe insect bites and other types of rash. The cream will reduce swelling and protect the skin from infection.

This cream is available on prescription for adults over the age of 18 years. Each tube contains 30 grams of cream for use 1-2 times a day for up to 7 days.

How do Betamethasone and Neomycin Cream work?

Corticosteroids, such as betamethasone valerate, are anti-inflammatory medicines. Skin becomes inflamed when the body releases inflammatory chemicals in response to an allergen or irritation. These chemicals cause blood vessels to widen, causing the surrounding skin to swell and become itchy and painful. Corticosteroids prevent this by inhibiting cells from releasing large amounts of these substances.

Neomycin is an antibacterial medicine. It prevents bacteria from producing the proteins they require to survive, killing the infection. Certain inflammatory skin disorders have a high risk of becoming infected, so this component can become very important for successful treatment. This is especially the case as any airtight dressings used to cover the affected areas creates conditions very conducive to fungal and bacterial growth.

Alternatives to Betamethasone and Neomycin Cream

Betamethasone and Neomycin Cream is available only on prescription. It is recommended that before using a prescription treatment that you try non-prescription alternatives first to see if these work for you. This is because over the counter treatments are often very effective and are less likely to cause side effects.

Non-prescription alternatives for eczema and dermatitis can include;

• Moisturisers and emollients - Aveeno, Diprobase
• Bath and shower gels - Dermol 200 Shower Emollient and Cetraben Bath Addative
• Cotton gloves (to keep from scratching)
• Antihistamine tablets and liquid (to ease the itching)

For full details on available treatments please check out our Advice for Eczema & Dermatitis page.

Sources

• Betamethasone and Neomycin Cream, Patient Information Leaflet: https://gskpro.com/content/dam...
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/b...

Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

This medicine is unsuitable for you if you are allergic to any of the cream’s ingredients.

Do not use this medicine for inflamed skin around the genitals or anus unless specifically advised to do so.

Betamethasone and neomycin cream can cause the following conditions to worsen:

• Acne
• Perioral dermatitis (a rash around the mouth)
• Viral infections (e.g. cold sores, herpes, chickenpox)
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections (e.g. thrush, athlete’s foot)
• Rosacea (flushing of the skin around the nose)
• External ear infections

Consult your GP if you:

• Are using this medicine to treat psoriasis – this will require more frequent checkups
• Have kidney problems
• Are undergoing surgery in the near future

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Directions

For adults over the age of 18 years:

Wash your hands before and after use (unless the area of skin affected is your hands). Apply this product thinly and carefully to the affected area(s) 1-2 times a day for up to 7 days.

If you have been using airtight dressings on inflamed skin, clean the affected area before using the cream, and apply a new dressing. Remember to wash your hands after each application.

Talk to your GP if you do not notice any improvement within a few days. This medicine should not be used for more than five days on any facial skin.

You may be using other topical medicines alongside betamethasone and neomycin cream. If this is the case, you are advised to wait at least 30 minutes between applications. This will prevent any medicine from becoming diluted.

Ingredients

The active ingredients contained in betamethasone and neomycin cream are: Betamethasone 0.1% (as valerate), neomycin sulphate 0.5%

Betamethasone and neomycin cream also contains the following inactive ingredients: Cetomacrogol 1000, chlorocresol, cetostearyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, sodium acid phosphate, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, purified water.

Side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use betamethasone and neomycin cream, however, if you do they can include:

• An allergic reaction
• An itching or burning sensation on the affected area
• Bumps under areas of skin affected by psoriasis.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.