Betamethasone, Topical

The Basics

What is Betamethasone, Topical?

used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash

Brand names for Betamethasone, Topical

Alphatrex, Del-Beta, Diprosone

How Betamethasone, Topical is classified

Corticosteroids – Topical, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Betamethasone, Topical During Pregnancy

Betamethasone, Topical pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Betamethasone, Topical while pregnant

N/A

Taking Betamethasone, Topical While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Betamethasone, Topical?

Betamethasone ointment appears to have no advantage over lanolin for treating sore nipples during breastfeeding.[1] Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin; topical betamethasone should be avoided on the nipple.[2] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[3] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Betamethasone ointment appears to have no advantage over lanolin for treating sore nipples during breastfeeding.[1] Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin; topical betamethasone should be avoided on the nipple.[2] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[3] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Possible effects of Betamethasone, Topical on milk supply

In a randomized, double-bind trial, lanolin was compared to an all-purpose nipple ointment containing betamethasone 0.05%, mupirocin 1%, and miconazole 2% for painful nipples while nursing in the first 2 weeks postpartum. The two treatments were equally effective in reducing nipple pain, nipple healing time, breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding exclusivity rate, mastitis and nipple symptoms, side effects or maternal satisfaction with treatment.[1]

Possible alternatives to Betamethasone, Topical

(Topical) Hydrocortisone, Topical.