Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 18, 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 betamethasone valerate
Betamethasone topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. Betamethasone foam is used for scalp problems. Betamethasone valerate is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).
Betamethasone valerate is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using betamethasone valerate
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 betamethasone valerate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to betamethasone valerate 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 betamethasone valerate'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 betamethasone valerate, follow your doctor's instructions very carefully. For the foam form, safety and efficacy have not been established.
