Pharmacologic Category
Corticosteroid, Topical; Keratolytic Agent
Dosing: Adult
Dermatoses: Topical: Usual dose:
Lotion: Apply thin film to affected area of scalp twice daily (with maintenance therapy, some patients may respond adequately to less frequent application). If symptoms do not improve within a week, discontinue use and reassess patient.
Ointment: Apply thin film to affected area twice daily (with maintenance therapy, some patients may respond adequately to less frequent application). If symptoms do not improve within a week, discontinue use and reassess patient.
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Renal Impairment: Adult
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Adult
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Dosing: Pediatric
Dermatosis: Children and Adolescents: Topical: Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Renal Impairment: Pediatric
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Pediatric
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Use: Labeled Indications
Note: Not approved in the US
Dermatoses: Topical management of subacute and chronic hyperkeratotic and dry dermatosis responsive to corticosteroid therapy.
Administration: Topical
Apply thin film of lotion to affected area of scalp or thin film of ointment to affected area once in the morning and night. Ointment should be massaged in gently. Do not cover treated area with occlusive dressing. Do not apply in or near the eyes. Avoid contact with mucous membranes, extensive lesions, the genital area and other orifices. Wash hands after application.
Administration: Pediatric
Topical: For external use only. Apply thin film of lotion to affected area of scalp or thin film of ointment to affected area once in the morning and night. Ointment should be massaged in gently. Do not cover treated area with occlusive dressing. Do not apply in or near the eyes. Avoid contact with mucous membranes, extensive lesions, the genital area, and other orifices. Wash hands after application.
Storage/Stability
Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to betamethasone, salicylic acid or any component of the formulation; viral diseases including vaccinia, varicella, herpes simplex; fungal infections; tuberculosis of the skin.
Warnings/Precautions
Refer to individual agents.
Geriatric Considerations
See individual agents.
Pregnancy Considerations
Refer to individual agents.
Breast-Feeding Considerations
Refer to individual agents.
Adverse Reactions
See individual agents.
Allergy and Idiosyncratic Reactions
Metabolism/Transport Effects
None known.
Drug Interactions Open Interactions
Aldesleukin: Corticosteroids may diminish the antineoplastic effect of Aldesleukin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Calcipotriene: Salicylic Acid may diminish the therapeutic effect of Calcipotriene. Management: Monitor for reduced calcipotriene efficacy if combined with salicylic acid. Consider separating the administration of these agents by 10 to 12 hours to minimize the risk of this potential interaction. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Corticorelin: Corticosteroids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Corticorelin. Specifically, the plasma ACTH response to corticorelin may be blunted by recent or current corticosteroid therapy. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Deferasirox: Corticosteroids may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Deferasirox. Specifically, the risk for GI ulceration/irritation or GI bleeding may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hyaluronidase: Corticosteroids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Hyaluronidase. Management: Patients receiving corticosteroids (particularly at larger doses) may not experience the desired clinical response to standard doses of hyaluronidase. Larger doses of hyaluronidase may be required. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ritodrine: Corticosteroids may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ritodrine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Monitoring Parameters
HPA axis suppression and adrenal insufficiency, especially in children; reassess if no improvement within 1 week of treatment.
Product Availability
Not available in the US
Dosage Forms Considerations
Each g of Diprosalic lotion/ointment contains 0.64 mg of betamethasone dipropionate which is equivalent to 0.5 mg of betamethasone; each g of lotion contains 20 mg of salicylic acid while each g of ointment contains 30 mg of salicylic acid
Dosage Forms: Canada
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Lotion, External:
Diprosalic: Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% and salicylic acid 2% ([DSC]) [contains edetate disodium, isopropyl alcohol]
Generic: Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% and salicylic acid 2% (30 mL, 60 mL)
Ointment, External:
Diprosalic: Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% and salicylic acid 3% (15 g, 50 g)
Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification
Generic Available (US)
Yes
Mechanism of Action
Refer to individual agents.
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Refer to individual agents.
Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
No information available to require special precautions
Effects on Dental Treatment
No significant effects or complications reported
Effects on Bleeding
No information available to require special precautions
Related Information
Index Terms
Betamethasone Dipropionate and Salicylic Acid; Salicylic Acid and Betamethasone
References
Diprosalic (betamethasone dipropionate/salicylic acid) [product monograph]. Kirkland, Quebec, Canada: Merck Canada Inc; November 2019.
Last Updated 5/6/20