COMPOSITION:

Each 100g Beta-Salic Ointment contains 64mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 50mg betamethasone base) and 3g salicylic acid.

INDICATIONS:

Betamethasone is anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictor. Salicylic acid is keratolytic.

Beta-Salic Ointment is indicated for the treatment of chronic lichenified eczema, lichen planus, lichen simplex, non-ballons ichthyosiform erythroderma. It is also effective in the less responsive conditions such as psoriasis and chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and feet, (but excluding widespread plaque psoriasis).

USAGE:

As instructed by physician or otherwise as follows:

Beta-Salic Ointment: Should be applied as a thin layer to affected area, 1–2 times daily, for two weeks.

When Beta-Salic is used for treatment of the face or for children, it should be used for only five days. Occlusion must not be used.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Beta-Salic is generally well tolerated and side effects are rare.

These effects are increased when occlusion is used or in continuous application such as: Burning, irritation, dermatitis, dryness, pruritus, foliculitis, hypertrichosis, rash, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, local atrophy of the skin, striae and superficial vascular dilation particularly on the face.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Hypersensitivity to steroids or salicylic acid, rosacea, acne, peri-anal and genital pruritus, perioral dermatitis, infection of the scalp, most viral lesions of the skin, particularly herpes simplex, vaccinia, varicella, fungal or bacterial skin infection without suitable concomitant anti-infective therapy.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Beta-Salic is for external use only and care must be taken to keep it away from the eyes.

• The systemic absorption of betamethasone and salicylic acid may be increased if extensive body surface areas are treated for prolonged periods or with excessive amounts.

• Long term continuous topical therapy should be avoided where possible, particularly in infants and children.

• Topical corticosteroids may be hazardous in psoriasis for a number of reasons including: Rebound relapses following development of tolerance, risk of generalised, pustular psoriasis and local systemic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin.

USE IN PREGNANCY OR LACTATION:

It should not be used in pregnancy. Care should be taken in lactation.