Betamethasone - topical
Classification: BATC code: D07AC01, D07CC01, S02BA07
Summary
Published controlled studies on sex differences in effect and safety of topical betamethasone are lacking.
The present evidence concerning differences between men and women is very limited and do not motivate differentiation in dosing or treatment.
Additional information
Pharmacokinetics and dosing
Topical betamethasone is used for treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses [2]. Topical corticosteroids may be systematically absorbed if used on large areas, on broken skin, or under occlusive dressings [3]. No difference between men and women has been shown for transdermal absorption in general [4].
No studies on sex differences in pharmacokinetics or dosing for topical betamethasone have been found.
Effects
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the effects of topical betamethasone have been found.
Adverse effects
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding adverse effects of topical betamethasone have been found.
Reproductive health issues
Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult the Drugs and Birth Defects Database (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
Other information
A retrospective analysis of patients with eczema or psoriasis on standard dermatological treatment (295 men, 291 women) found that significantly more men than women (79; 63%, 47; 37%) were administered whole-body UV treatment. Also, the results indicated that men had more treatments appointments per individual than women. Women were prescribed more emollients than men [1].
Updated: 2019-02-26
Date of litterature search: 2017-01-02
References
- Nyberg F, Osika I, Evengård B. "The Laundry Bag Project"--unequal distribution of dermatological healthcare resources for male and female psoriatic patients in Sweden. Int J Dermatol. 2008;47:144-9. PubMed
- Betamethasone (generic). Summary of Product Characteristics. Medical Products Agency Sweden.
- Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. Pharmaceutical Press.
- Schwartz JB. The influence of sex on pharmacokinetics. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2003;42:107-21. PubMed
- Läkemedelsstatistik. Stockholm: Socialstyrelsen. 2015 [cited 2017-01-09.] Socialstyrelsens statistikdatabas
Reviewed by: Mia von Euler
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson