Do I need a prescription for Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment?

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment is classified as a Valid as a prescribable product in the UK. However, always consult a pharmacist or doctor before use. (Source: NHS dm+d)

What are the brand names for Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment?

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment is the generic name. It is available under brand names including: Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment. (Source: NHS dm+d — Actual Medicinal Products)

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment

Prescription only

Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber

Ointment

0.1%

Topical

Topical corticosteroids

Active ingredients:

Betamethasone

BNF classificationBrowse formulary

Where this medicine sits in the British National Formulary — the UK's standard prescribing reference

BNF 13.04

ATC classificationBrowse ATC index

International classification by the WHO, grouping medicines by the organ system they act on

ATC D07AC01

Chemical classBrowse classes

Classification based on the molecule's chemical structure and properties

Check interactions for Betamethasone

No active safety alerts

Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring

Report a side effect

Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA

Official medicine documents

Yellow Card

Report side effects (MHRA)

Drug safety updates

MHRA alerts for Betamethasone

Source: MHRA Products DatabaseOGL 3.0

Updated 3 months ago(16 Jan 2026)

Safety monitoring data

Yellow Card reports

MHRA

The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.

View Drug Analysis Profile

Suspected adverse reactions reported for Betamethasone

Browse all iDAP reports

Interactive Drug Analysis Profiles for all medicines

Report a side effect

Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA

Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

EudraVigilance

EMA

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) collects suspected adverse reaction reports from across the EU/EEA through the EudraVigilance system. Search for safety data on this medicine.

View EudraVigilance report

Suspected adverse reactions reported for Betamethasone

About EudraVigilance

Learn about EU pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring

EudraVigilance data is published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A suspected adverse reaction is not necessarily caused by the medicine.

1 branded products available

1 productsShow details

Part of the Betnesol brand family (generic: Betamethasone)

1 products

Possibly available on the UK marketRestricted supplyDiscontinuedAvailability per NHS dm+d

MHRA licensed products

View all licensed products for Betamethasone on the MHRA register

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment

Special Order

None

Special

Source: NHS dm+dOGL 3.0

Updated about 1 month ago(1 Mar 2026)

Therapeutically similar medicines

10 similarShow details

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Aqueous cream

Cream

0.1%

Same therapeutic group

Fluocinonide 0.05% ointment 10% in White soft paraffin

Ointment

0.05%

Same therapeutic group

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream 25% in Yellow soft paraffin

Cream

0.1%

Same therapeutic group

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 12.5% in White soft paraffin

Ointment

0.1%

Same therapeutic group

Fluocinonide 0.05% ointment 50% in White soft paraffin

Ointment

0.05%

Same therapeutic group

Similarity based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and NHS BNF section grouping. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.

NHS prescribing volume and spending trends

Show details

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Clinical guidelines and formulary information

British National Formulary

Betamethasone

BNF

Drug monograph — bnf.nice.org.uk

Source: British National Formulary, NICE. Joint Formulary Committee. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

NICE clinical guidance(6)

Secondary bacterial infection of eczema and other common skin conditions: antimicrobial prescribing (NG190)

NG190

Guidance

Updated Mar 2021

Psoriasis: assessment and management (CG153)

CG153

Clinical guideline

Updated Sept 2017

Impetigo: antimicrobial prescribing (NG153)

NG153

Guidance

Updated Feb 2020

Preterm labour and birth (NG25)

NG25

NICE guideline

Updated Jun 2022

Ruxolitinib cream for treating non-segmental vitiligo in people 12 years and over (TA1140)

TA1140

Technology appraisal

Updated Mar 2026

Hypertension in pregnancy: diagnosis and management (NG133)

NG133

NICE guideline

Updated Apr 2023

Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Check stock at pharmacies and supply information

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Pharmacy stock checkers

Search for this medicine at major UK pharmacy chains. These links open the retailer's own website — results depend on their current online catalogue.

Boots

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Lloyds

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DeliveryNHS

Supply & product information

Official product databases and supply status monitoring

Shortages info

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)

emc product search

Discontinuations & alternatives for Betamethasone

Pharmacy links redirect to the retailer's own search and do not represent real-time stock levels. emc (electronic medicines compendium) is operated by Datapharm Ltd. Shortage information sourced from NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS), sps.nhs.uk.

Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems

Show details

These codes are used by healthcare IT systems and prescribers to identify this medicine.

NHS UK identifiers

SNOMED CT

15221211000001101

dm+d ID

15221211000001101

VTM (Virtual Therapeutic Moiety)

774839004

VMP (Virtual Medicinal Product)

15221211000001101

BNF code

13040000

International identifiers

ATC code — Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (WHO)

D07AC01

Browse tools

dm+d Browser

NHSBSA medicines dictionary lookup

SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF codes from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).

Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov

Show details

Searching UK clinical trials...

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank

go.drugbank.com

Key facts

Drug status

Approved

Major interactions

59 found

Half-life

2.5 hours

Mechanism

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-K…

Food interactions

None known

Human targets

1 target

Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0

Pharmacokinetics at a glance

Absorption

0.05%

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered.…

Half-life

2.5 hours

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2…

Protein binding

Betamethasone valerate binds to serum albumin and corticosteroid-binding globulin.
[A192168][A192363]

Volume of distribution

539 mL

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,584±23,539 mL(s).
[A192420]…

Metabolism

The metabolism of betamethasone yields 6 metabolites.
[A192429]
The metabolic processes include 6β hydroxylation, 11β-hydroxyl oxidation, and…

Elimination

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.
[A187436]

Clearance

805 mL

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 ± 805 mL/hour.
[A192420]…

Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0

Status:

Approved

Investigational

Vet approved

Small molecule

About this compound

Betamethasone is a long-acting corticosteroid with immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory properties.[A192444] It can be used topically to manage inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, and parenterally to manage several disease states including autoimmune disorders.[A192444] Betamethasone has potent glucocorticoid activity and negligible mineralocorticoid activity.[A192444]

Properties:

solid

Avg. mass: 392.46 Da

View FDA drug label

DrugBank indication

As a member of the corticosteroid family, betamethasone is indicated for the treatment of several inflammatory conditions. As topical monotherapy, betamethasone is indicated to relieve pruritic and inflammatory symptoms of corticosteroid-responsive-dermatoses.
[L11991][L10782][L11997]

Betamethasone can be used topically in combination with a vitamin D analog such as calcipotriene to treat plaque psoriasis.
[L12000]
The corticosteroid is also available as an injectable suspension and can be used to manage a range of inflammatory conditions including endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and rheumatic disorders among other conditions.
[L11994]

Also known as(94)

16β-Methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-9α-fluoro-11β,17α,21-triol-3,20-dione

9-Fluoro-16β-methylprednisolone

9α-Fluoro-16β-methylprednisolone

beta-Methasone alcohol

Betadexamethasone

Betametasona

Betamethasone

Bétaméthasone

Dosage forms(289)

Solution / drops (Ophthalmic)

Ointment (Ophthalmic)

Gel (Cutaneous) — 0.0500 g

Solution / drops (Auricular (otic); Ophthalmic)

Syrup (Oral)

Syrup (Oral) — 0.25 mg

Cream (Cutaneous) — 0.1 %

Cream (Cutaneous) — 0025 %

Molecular properties(19)

Drug interactions(1378)

Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Denosumab

Unknown severity

DB06643

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Denosumab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Peginterferon alfa-2a

Unknown severity

DB00008

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Peginterferon alfa-2a is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Interferon alfa-n1

Unknown severity

DB00011

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon alfa-n1 is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Interferon alfa-n3

Unknown severity

DB00018

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon alfa-n3 is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Peginterferon alfa-2b

Unknown severity

DB00022

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Peginterferon alfa-2b is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Interferon gamma-1b

Unknown severity

DB00033

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon gamma-1b is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Interferon alfa-2a

Unknown severity

DB00034

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon alfa-2a is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin

Unknown severity

DB00056

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Pegaspargase

Unknown severity

DB00059

The serum concentration of Betamethasone can be increased when it is combined with Pegaspargase.

Check this interaction

Interferon beta-1b

Unknown severity

DB00068

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon beta-1b is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Interferon alfacon-1

Unknown severity

DB00069

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon alfacon-1 is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Rituximab

Unknown severity

DB00073

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Rituximab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Basiliximab

Unknown severity

DB00074

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Basiliximab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Muromonab

Unknown severity

DB00075

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Muromonab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Ibritumomab tiuxetan

Unknown severity

DB00078

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Ibritumomab tiuxetan is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Tositumomab

Unknown severity

DB00081

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Tositumomab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Alemtuzumab

Unknown severity

DB00087

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alemtuzumab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Alefacept

Unknown severity

DB00092

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alefacept is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Efalizumab

Unknown severity

DB00095

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Efalizumab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Antithymocyte immunoglobulin (rabbit)

Unknown severity

DB00098

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Antithymocyte immunoglobulin (rabbit) is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Interferon alfa-2b

Unknown severity

DB00105

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon alfa-2b is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Daclizumab

Unknown severity

DB00111

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Daclizumab is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Phenylalanine

Unknown severity

DB00120

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Phenylalanine is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Cladribine

Moderate

DB00242

Betamethasone may increase the immunosuppressive activities of Cladribine.

Check this interaction

Carmustine

Unknown severity

DB00262

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Carmustine is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Amsacrine

Unknown severity

DB00276

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Amsacrine is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Bleomycin

Unknown severity

DB00290

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Bleomycin is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Chlorambucil

Unknown severity

DB00291

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Chlorambucil is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Raltitrexed

Unknown severity

DB00293

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Raltitrexed is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Mitomycin

Unknown severity

DB00305

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Mitomycin is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Bexarotene

Unknown severity

DB00307

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Bexarotene is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Floxuridine

Unknown severity

DB00322

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Floxuridine is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Tioguanine

Unknown severity

DB00352

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Tioguanine is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Dexrazoxane

Unknown severity

DB00380

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dexrazoxane is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Streptozocin

Unknown severity

DB00428

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Streptozocin is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Trifluridine

Unknown severity

DB00432

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Trifluridine is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Gemcitabine

Unknown severity

DB00441

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Gemcitabine is combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Epirubicin

Unknown severity

DB00445

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Epirubicin.

Check this interaction

Chloramphenicol

Unknown severity

DB00446

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Chloramphenicol.

Check this interaction

Lenalidomide

Unknown severity

DB00480

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Lenalidomide.

Check this interaction

Altretamine

Unknown severity

DB00488

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Altretamine.

Check this interaction

Zidovudine

Unknown severity

DB00495

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Zidovudine.

Check this interaction

Oxaliplatin

Unknown severity

DB00526

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Oxaliplatin.

Check this interaction

Propylthiouracil

Unknown severity

DB00550

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Propylthiouracil.

Check this interaction

Pentostatin

Unknown severity

DB00552

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Pentostatin.

Check this interaction

Linezolid

Unknown severity

DB00601

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Linezolid.

Check this interaction

Clofarabine

Unknown severity

DB00631

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Clofarabine.

Check this interaction

Pemetrexed

Unknown severity

DB00642

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Pemetrexed.

Check this interaction

Mycophenolate mofetil

Unknown severity

DB00688

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Betamethasone is combined with Mycophenolate mofetil.

Check this interaction

Tretinoin

Moderate

DB00755

The metabolism of Tretinoin can be increased when combined with Betamethasone.

Check this interaction

Showing 50 of 1378 interactions

Toxicity & overdose

Chronic high doses of glucocorticoids can lead to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, myopathy, osteoporosis, mood changes, psychosis, dermal atrophy, allergy, acne, hypertrichosis, immune suppression, decreased resistance to infection, moon face, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, growth suppression, and secondary adrenal insufficiency.
[A188405]
Overdose may be treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the corticosteroid as well as initiating symptomatic and supportive treatment.
[A188405]

How it works

Mechanism of action

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors.[A187463] They also inhibit phospholipase A2, leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives.[A187463] In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.[A187463]

Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways.[A31458] The genomic pathway is slower and occurs when glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors and initiate downstream effects that promote transcription of anti-inflammatory genes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), IL-1-receptor antagonist, and tyrosine amino transferase (TAT).[A31458] On the other hand, the nongenomic pathway is able to elicit a quicker response by modulating T-cell, platelet and monocyte activity through the use of existing membrane-bound receptors and second messengers.[A31458]

Pharmacodynamics

Corticosteroids bind to the glucocorticoid receptor inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals, while promoting anti-inflammatory signals.[A187463] Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are multiples of what the body naturally produces.[A187463] Patients who require long-term treatment with a corticosteroid should be counselled regarding the risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.[A187463]

Pharmacokinetics

How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination

Absorption

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered. For example, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment is classified as a highly potent topical steroid, while betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or lotion is considered to be moderately potent.
[A192375]

There are several structural modifications that can determine the potency of a topical corticosteroid. For example, corticosteroids containing a halogen at specific carbons, or that contain esters are more potent due to enhanced lipophilicity.
[A192378]
As such, there is a marked difference between topical products containing betamethasone dipropionate vs. betamethasone valerate.

Betamethasone dipropionate contains 2 esters which enhances its potency, while betamethasone valerate has only one ester and is less potent.
[A192378]

It should be noted that the use of occlusive dressings with topical steroids significantly increases the absorption, increasing the risk for adverse effects.
[L10782]

Half-life

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2 ± 2.5 hours.
[A192420]

Protein binding

Betamethasone valerate binds to serum albumin and corticosteroid-binding globulin.
[A192168][A192363]

Volume of distribution

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,584±23,539 mL(s).
[A192420]

Metabolism

The metabolism of betamethasone yields 6 metabolites.
[A192429]
The metabolic processes include 6β hydroxylation, 11β-hydroxyl oxidation, and reduction of the C-20 carbonyl group followed by removal of the side chain.
[A192429]

Route of elimination

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.
[A187436]

Clearance

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 ± 805 mL/hour.
[A192420]

Drug targets(1)

Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body

Glucocorticoid receptor

BE0000794

NR3C1

agonist

Specific functioncore promoter sequence-specific DNA binding

Cellular location

Cytoplasm

General function & pharmacology

Receptor for glucocorticoids (GC) .
PMID:27120390 PMID:37478846
Has a dual mode of action: as a transcription factor that binds to glucocorticoid response elements (GRE), both for nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, and as a modulator of other transcription factors .
PMID:28139699
Affects inflammatory responses, cellular proliferation and differentiation in target tissues. Involved in chromatin remodeling .
PMID:9590696
Plays a role in rapid mRNA degradation by binding to the 5' UTR of target mRNAs and interacting with PNRC2 in a ligand-dependent manner which recruits the RNA helicase UPF1 and the mRNA-decapping enzyme DCP1A, leading to RNA decay .
PMID:25775514
Could act as a coactivator for STAT5-dependent transcription upon growth hormone (GH) stimulation and could reveal an essential role of hepatic GR in the control of body growth (By similarity)

Metabolizing enzymes(10)

Enzymes involved in drug metabolism — important for understanding drug interactions

Enzyme activity key

substrate

inhibitor

inducer

CYP19A1Aromatase

substrate

inhibitor

CYP3A5Cytochrome P450 3A5

inducer

CYP3A7Cytochrome P450 3A7

CYP2A6Cytochrome P450 2A6

inducer

CYP1B1Cytochrome P450 1B1

inducer

CYP2B6Cytochrome P450 2B6

inducer

CYP2C8Cytochrome P450 2C8

inducer

CYP2C9Cytochrome P450 2C9

inducer

CYP2C19Cytochrome P450 2C19

inducer

CYP3A4Cytochrome P450 3A4

substrate

inducer

Transporters(1)

Proteins that transport this drug across cell membranes

ATP-dependent translocase ABCB1

BE0001032

ABCB1

substrate

Specific functionABC-type xenobiotic transporter activity

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

Translocates drugs and phospholipids across the membrane .
PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:8898203 PMID:9038218 PMID:35507548

Catalyzes the flop of phospholipids from the cytoplasmic to the exoplasmic leaflet of the apical membrane. Participates mainly to the flop of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, beta-D-glucosylceramides and sphingomyelins .
PMID:8898203
Energy-dependent efflux pump responsible for decreased drug accumulation in multidrug-resistant cells PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:9038218

Carriers(2)

Proteins that carry this drug through the body

Albumin

BE0000530

ALB

Specific functionantioxidant activity

Cellular location

Secreted

General function & pharmacology

Binds water, Ca(2+), Na(+), K(+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin and drugs (Probable). Its main function is the regulation of the colloidal osmotic pressure of blood (Probable). Major zinc transporter in plasma, typically binds about 80% of all plasma zinc .
PMID:19021548
Major calcium and magnesium transporter in plasma, binds approximately 45% of circulating calcium and magnesium in plasma (By similarity).

Potentially has more than two calcium-binding sites and might additionally bind calcium in a non-specific manner (By similarity). The shared binding site between zinc and calcium at residue Asp-273 suggests a crosstalk between zinc and calcium transport in the blood (By similarity). The rank order of affinity is zinc > calcium > magnesium (By similarity).

Binds to the bacterial siderophore enterobactin and inhibits enterobactin-mediated iron uptake of E.coli from ferric transferrin, and may thereby limit the utilization of iron and growth of enteric bacteria such as E.coli .
PMID:6234017
Does not prevent iron uptake by the bacterial siderophore aerobactin PMID:6234017

Corticosteroid-binding globulin

BE0000209

SERPINA6

Specific functionmolecular carrier activity

Cellular location

Secreted

General function & pharmacology

Major transport protein for glucocorticoids and progestins in the blood of almost all vertebrate species

Scientific references(11)

Yasir M., Sonthalia S.

Adverse effects of systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Reactions

1986139(1):2-3. doi: 10.1007/bf03267706

PMID: 30285357 DOI: 10.1007/bf03267706

Czock D., Keller F., Rasche F.M., Haussler U.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of systemically administered glucocorticoids.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics

200544(1):61-98. doi: 10.2165/00003088-200544010-00003

PMID: 15634032 DOI: 10.2165/00003088-200544010-00003

Uva L., Miguel D., Pinheiro C., Antunes J., Cruz D., Ferreira J., Filipe P.

Mechanisms of action of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis.

International Journal Endocrinol

20122012:561018. doi: 10.1155/2012/561018. Epub 2012 Nov 5

PMID: 23213332 DOI: 10.1155/2012/561018

Spada F., Barnes T.M., Greive K.A.

Comparative safety and efficacy of topical mometasone furoate with other topical corticosteroids.

Australas Journal Dermatology

2018 Aug59(3):e168-e174. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12762. Epub 2018 Feb 7

PMID: 29411351 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.12762

Mehta A.B., Nadkarni N.J., Patil S.P., Godse K.V., Gautam M., Agarwal S.

Topical corticosteroids in dermatology.

Indian Journal Dermatology Venereol Leprol

2016 Jul-Aug82(4):371-8. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.178903

PMID: 27279294 DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.178903

Ciriaco M., Ventrice P., Russo G., Scicchitano M., Mazzitello G., Scicchitano F., Russo E.

Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects.

Journal Pharmacology Pharmacother

2013 Dec4(Suppl 1):S94-8. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.120975

PMID: 24347992 DOI: 10.4103/0976-500X.120975

Pontremoli C., Barbero N., Viscardi G., Visentin S.

Insight into the interaction of inhaled corticosteroids with human serum albumin: A spectroscopic-based study.

Journal Pharmacy Anal

2018 Feb8(1):37-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2017.07.003. Epub 2017 Jul 5

PMID: 29568666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2017.07.003

Simard M., Underhill C., Hammond G.L.

Functional implications of corticosteroid-binding globulin N-glycosylation.

Journal Molecular Endocrinol

2018 Feb60(2):71-84. doi: 10.1530/JME-17-0234. Epub 2017 Dec 22

PMID: 29273683 DOI: 10.1530/JME-17-0234

Jobe A.H., Milad M.A., Peppard T., Jusko W.J.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Intramuscular and Oral Betamethasone and Dexamethasone in Reproductive Age Women in India.

Clinical Transl Science

2020 Mar13(2):391-399. doi: 10.1111/cts.12724. Epub 2019 Dec 13

PMID: 31808984 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12724

Butler J., Gray C.H.

The metabolism of betamethasone.

Journal Endocrinol

1970 Mar46(3):379-90. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.0460379

PMID: 5442584 DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.0460379

Authors unspecified

Cyclophosphamide/unspecified corticosteroids.

Reactions Weekly

20242009(1):196-196. doi: 10.1007/s40278-024-59452-z

PMID: 31643719 DOI: 10.1007/s40278-024-59452-z

ATC classification(16 codes)

ATC R01AD06

ATC D07BC01

ATC S01BA06

ATC S01BB04

ATC S01CB04

ATC H02AB01

ATC C05AA05

ATC S03CA06

ATC D07XC01

ATC D07AC01

ATC A07EA04

ATC S02BA07

ATC R03BA04

ATC S03BA03

ATC S01CA05

ATC D07CC01

Affected organisms(1)

Humans and other mammals

International brands(6)

Salt forms(5)

Betamethasone acetate(DBSALT001422)

Betamethasone benzoate(DBSALT001122)

Betamethasone dipropionate(DBSALT000851)

Betamethasone sodium phosphate(DBSALT000850)

Betamethasone valerate(DBSALT000849)

Experimental properties(5)

External resources(2)

RxList Drugs.com

Commercial products(464)

Chemical identifiers

CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references

Show

Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Betamethasone

DB00443

CAS number

378-44-9

UNII (FDA)

9842X06Q6M

InChI Key (molecular fingerprint)

UREBDLICKHMUKA-DVTGEIKXSA-N

Additional database identifiers

Drugs Product Database (DPD)

7610

Drugs Product Database (DPD)

7603

Drugs Product Database (DPD)

7606

Drugs Product Database (DPD)

13244

Drugs Product Database (DPD)

7608

Drugs Product Database (DPD)

20081

ChEBI

3077

PubChem Compound

9782

PubChem Substance

46505155

KEGG Drug

D00244

ChemSpider

9399

BindingDB

73823

PharmGKB

PA164754818

Therapeutic Targets Database

DAP001043

Wikipedia

Betamethasone

ChEMBL

CHEMBL632

ZINC

ZINC000003876136

RxCUI

1514

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:7978

GenAtlas

NR3C1

GeneCards

NR3C1

GenBank Gene Database

X03225

GenBank Protein Database

31680

IUPHAR

625

Guide to Pharmacology

625

UniProtKB

P04150

UniProt Accession

GCR_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2594

GenAtlas

CYP19A1

GeneCards

CYP19A1

GenBank Gene Database

M22246

GenBank Protein Database

179002

Guide to Pharmacology

1362

UniProtKB

P11511

UniProt Accession

CP19A_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2638

GenAtlas

CYP3A5

GeneCards

CYP3A5

GenBank Gene Database

J04813

GenBank Protein Database

181346

Guide to Pharmacology

1338

UniProtKB

P20815

UniProt Accession

CP3A5_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2640

GeneCards

CYP3A7

GenBank Gene Database

D00408

GenBank Protein Database

220149

UniProtKB

P24462

UniProt Accession

CP3A7_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2610

GenAtlas

CYP2A6

GeneCards

CYP2A6

GenBank Gene Database

X13897

Guide to Pharmacology

1321

UniProtKB

P11509

UniProt Accession

CP2A6_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2597

GenAtlas

CYP1B1

GeneCards

CYP1B1

GenBank Gene Database

U03688

GenBank Protein Database

501031

Guide to Pharmacology

1320

UniProtKB

Q16678

UniProt Accession

CP1B1_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2615

GeneCards

CYP2B6

GenBank Gene Database

M29874

GenBank Protein Database

181296

Guide to Pharmacology

1324

UniProtKB

P20813

UniProt Accession

CP2B6_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2622

GenAtlas

CYP2C8

GeneCards

CYP2C8

GenBank Gene Database

M17397

Guide to Pharmacology

1325

UniProtKB

P10632

UniProt Accession

CP2C8_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2623

GenAtlas

CYP2C9

GeneCards

CYP2C9

GenBank Gene Database

AY341248

Guide to Pharmacology

1326

UniProtKB

P11712

UniProt Accession

CP2C9_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2621

GeneCards

CYP2C19

GenBank Gene Database

M61854

GenBank Protein Database

181344

Guide to Pharmacology

1328

UniProtKB

P33261

UniProt Accession

CP2CJ_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2637

GenAtlas

CYP3A4

GeneCards

CYP3A4

GenBank Gene Database

M18907

Guide to Pharmacology

1337

UniProtKB

P08684

UniProt Accession

CP3A4_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:399

GenAtlas

ALB

GeneCards

ALB

GenBank Gene Database

V00494

GenBank Protein Database

28590

UniProtKB

P02768

UniProt Accession

ALBU_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:1540

GenAtlas

SERPINA6

GeneCards

SERPINA6

GenBank Gene Database

J02943

GenBank Protein Database

179971

UniProtKB

P08185

UniProt Accession

CBG_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:40

GenAtlas

ABCB1

GeneCards

ABCB1

GenBank Gene Database

M14758

GenBank Protein Database

307180

Guide to Pharmacology

768

UniProtKB

P08183

UniProt Accession

MDR1_HUMAN

International reference pricing

68 formulations

Reference pricing from DrugBank. Prices are indicative and may not reflect current UK costs.

From $0.06/g

To $325.17/can

Betaderm Mild 0.05 % Cream

$0.06/g

Ratio-Ectosone Mild 0.05 % Cream

$0.06/g

Betaderm Mild 0.05 % Ointment

$0.07/g

Betaderm Regular 0.1 % Cream

$0.09/g

Ratio-Ectosone Scalp 0.1 % Lotion

$0.09/g

Source: DrugBank. Used under CC BY-NC 4.0 academic licence for non-commercial purposes.

Patent information

18 active patents, 4 expired

11638711

United States

Approved 2 May 2023 · Expires 18 Mar 2039

12y 11m

11696919

United States

Approved 11 Jul 2023 · Expires 18 Mar 2039

12y 11m

9119781

United States

Paediatric ext.

Approved 1 Sept 2015 · Expires 10 Dec 2031

5y 8m

10130640

United States

Paediatric ext.

Approved 20 Nov 2018 · Expires 10 Dec 2031

5y 8m

9566286

United States

Approved 14 Feb 2017 · Expires 10 Jun 2031

5y 2m

The earliest active patent expires September 2027. Generic versions may become available after this date.

Source: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0. Patent data sourced from national patent offices. Expiry dates may not reflect extensions, regulatory exclusivity periods, or legal challenges.

DrugBank citations

If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:

Knox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et al

DrugBank 6.

0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024

Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275

PMID: 37953279

Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et al

DrugBank 5.

0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018

Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082

PMID: 29126136

Show earlier publications

Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et al

DrugBank 4.

0: shedding new light on drug metabolism

Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7

PMID: 24203711

Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et al

DrugBank 3.

0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs

Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41

PMID: 21059682

Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al

DrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.

Nucleic Acids Research

2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6

PMID: 18048412

Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al

DrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.

Nucleic Acids Research

2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72

PMID: 16381955

Source: go.drugbank.comCC BY-NC 4.0

Updated 26 days ago(8 Mar 2026)

Back to medicines

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment

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Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment 50% in Hydrous ointment

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Pharmacokinetics at a glance

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Volume of distribution

Metabolism

Elimination

Clearance

Clinical essentials

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Deep science14

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Betamethasone

Additional database identifiers

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