Topical corticosteroids should be used with caution on lesions close to the eye.

Although hypersensitivity reactions have been rare with topically applied steroids, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate therapy initiated if there are signs of sensitivity or irritation.

In cases of bacterial or fungal infections of the skin, appropriate antimicrobial agents should be used as primary therapy. If it is considered necessary, betamethasone dipropionate may be used as an adjunct to control inflammation, erythema, and itching.

If a symptomatic response is not noted within a few days to a week, the local applications of betamethasone dipropionate should be discontinued until the infection is brought under control.

Significant systemic absorption may occur when steroids are applied over large areas of the body, especially under occlusive dressings. To minimize this possibility, when long-term therapy is anticipated, interrupt treatment periodically or treat one area of the body at a time.

Patients should be advised to inform subsequent physicians of the prior use of corticosteroids.

Occlusive dressings should not be applied if there is an elevation of body temperature.

The following local adverse reactions have been reported rarely with the use of topical corticosteroids: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis. The following may occur more frequently with occlusive dressings: maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria.

Each g of cream contains: betamethasone dipropionate USP equivalent to 0.5 mg (0.05%) betamethasone USP, in a water miscible base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, mineral oil, monobasic sodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol 1000 monocetyl ether, sodium hydroxide, water and white petrolatum. Tubes of 15 and 50 g.