Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Betacap Scalp Application
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Betamethasone valerate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
Possible side effects
directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Contents of the pack and other information
1. WHAT BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
- Betacap Scalp Application is for use on the scalp to treat skin diseases including psoriasis (scaly, pink patches of thickened skin) and seborrhoeic dermatitis (scaly, itchy patches of skin).
- Betacap Scalp Application is suitable for use by adults, the elderly and children over the age of one year.
- The active ingredient in this product is betamethasone. This is one of a group of medicines called corticosteroids (which should not be confused with 'anabolic steroid' tablets or injections misused by some athletes).
- Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Betacap Scalp Application is classed as a strong corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition.
- Betamethasone is a strong and fast acting corticosteroid and is intended for use on the scalp which tends not to respond very well to weaker medicines of this type.
- Betamethasone works by reducing inflammation and calming down your immune system.
- The product also works as an antiseptic, and includes an emollient (moisturiser) to help make the scalp feel more comfortable. 2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION Do not use Betacap Scalp Application:
- if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to betamethasone or any of the other ingredients of Betacap Scalp Application listed in Section 6;
- to treat any other skin problems, especially skin infections, as it may make them worse;
- to treat any scalp problem other than the one your doctor prescribed it for;
- on children under one year of age. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Betacap Scalp Application.
- Tell your doctor if at any stage you think your scalp has become infected. Your doctor may advise you to stop using Betacap for a while and start using an alternative anti-microbial treatment instead.
- If you are treating scalp psoriasis, it is important that your doctor checks your progress regularly to avoid a possible complication that can occur (see Section 4).
- Do not use this product excessively:
- avoid using this product continuously or frequently for long periods (weeks or months on end);
- this is especially important for infants and young children, because long term use increases the chance of local and generalised side effects (see Section 4);
- for children with scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis, treatment should normally be limited to no more than 7 days.
- Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Take special care when using this product:
- Keep the product away from your eyes and mouth.
- Betacap is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources (e.g. burning cigarettes or anything else that might ignite it).
- If there is a worsening of your condition during use consult your prescriber – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition may require a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using Betacap Scalp Application without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to do so. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment. Using other medicines Betacap Scalp Application is not known to affect, or to be affected by, any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding It is unclear whether this product is safe for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Animal birth defects have occurred with similar medicines containing corticosteroids, so there may be a very small risk of these problems in humans. You should therefore not normally use this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor has recommended you to do so. Driving and using machinery Using this product is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery. 3. HOW TO USE BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION Use Betacap Scalp Application only on psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis affecting the scalp. Before using this bottle of Betacap Scalp Application for the first time, turn the bottle cap anti-clockwise to break the seal. For adults and the elderly: Repeat the following twice a day, morning and evening, until you notice an improvement in your scalp condition. On days when you shampoo your hair, apply Betacap Scalp Application after drying the hair:
- Carefully turn the bottle upside-down over your head, holding the nozzle against the part of the scalp to be treated.
- Gently squeeze the bottle until the affected area is coated with a thin layer of the preparation.
- Gently massage the application into the scalp to prevent it from running off.
- Allow the treated scalp to dry naturally. Do not use a hair drier.
- Your scalp will feel cool until the liquid has dried. The active ingredient is then left on your scalp.
- Always wash your hands after use.
continued…
VP8/24/1 202622
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you. Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
5. HOW TO STORE BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use Betacap Scalp Application after the expiry date shown on the bottle and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not store above 25°C.
- Always replace the cap tightly and return the bottle to the carton after use (to protect the contents from light).
- Betacap Scalp Application is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources.
- Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION What Betacap Scalp Application contains: The active ingredient is betamethasone (as betamethasone valerate) 0.1% w/w. The other ingredients are macrogolglycerol cocoates, isopropyl alcohol, carbomer, sodium hydroxide and purified water. What Betacap Scalp Application looks like and contents of the pack
- Betacap Scalp Application is a clear, colourless, slightly thickened liquid.
- The product is available in plastic bottles containing 100 ml, incorporating a specially designed nozzle applicator for convenient direct application to the scalp. Marketing Authorisation holder: Dermal Laboratories, Hitchin, Herts SG4 7QR. Manufacturer: Aeropak, Viking Road, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0NU, UK. This Patient Information Leaflet was last revised in March 2024. To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio, please call free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only). Please be ready to give the following information: Betacap, 00173/0149. This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
VP8/24/1 202622
When you can see that your scalp condition is getting better, you can start to apply Betacap Scalp Application less often, only once a day or even less. The frequency of application should be reduced to the minimum necessary to keep your scalp condition under control. For children (over one year old):
- Follow the same instructions as for adults (see above), but use the product more sparingly.
- Never apply more than is needed to cover the affected area.
- Do not cover the treated scalp with an airtight dressing.
- When treating seborrhoeic dermatitis in children, do not use the product for longer than 7 days. If Betacap Scalp Application gets into the eyes it may cause damage. If it gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid washing product into the other eye. If irritation persists tell your doctor or pharmacist. Betacap Scalp Application is dangerous if swallowed. If someone swallows this product by mistake, take the following emergency action: if they are drowsy or unconscious, give nothing by mouth. If they are conscious, encourage them to drink 1 or 2 cups of milk or water (one cup in the case of a child), but do not carry on if they are vomiting. In all cases, take them to a doctor or hospital straight away. Take this leaflet and the container of Betacap Scalp Application with you. If you apply too much Betacap Scalp Application, use a tissue to mop up any excess and stop it spreading onto uninvolved skin areas. If you occasionally forget to use Betacap Scalp Application, do not worry, just carry on using it when you remember. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Betacap Scalp Application can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Betacap Scalp Application may cause the following side effects of unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Skin irritation may occur. If this happens stop using the product.
- Treating psoriasis with this type of product may cause the development of the pustular form of the disease (blisters filled with pus). This explains why careful supervision by your doctor is required if you are treating scalp psoriasis.
- Topical corticosteroids are usually well tolerated when used in the right amount and for the correct length of time. However, prolonged, excessive use, particularly in children or on skin that is bandaged or wrapped up, can cause local skin thinning (making the skin damage easily), and adrenal suppression (a type of hormone imbalance that causes generalised effects on the body). Stopping treatment normally corrects these side effects.
- Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction, which might appear to be different from the previous condition, may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping treatment, with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores.
- Blurred vision. If you are in any doubt about the treatment, or experience any of the above side effects or any other side effect not mentioned in this leaflet, stop using this product and tell your doctor or pharmacist. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report
Frequently asked questions about Betacap Scalp Application
What is the active substance in Betacap Scalp Application?
The active substance in Betacap Scalp Application is betamethasone valerate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Betacap Scalp Application?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Betnovate Lotion, Betnovate Scalp Application. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Betacap Scalp Application, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Betacap Scalp Application without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: betamethasone valerate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the topical treatment of dermatoses of the scalp, such as psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis, which are unresponsive to less potent corticosteroids.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
For adults, including the elderly, and children over the age of one year: Betacap Scalp Application should be applied sparingly to the scalp night and morning until improvement is noticeable. It may then be possible to sustain improvement by applying once a day, or less frequently.
For the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis in children, the product should not be used for longer than 5 to 7 days.
4.3. Contraindications
Not to be used where there is bacterial, fungal or viral infection of the scalp.
Not to be used in cases of sensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Not to be used in children under the age of one year.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Keep away from the eyes.
Betacap is highly flammable. Do not use near a fire or naked flame. Allow the treated scalp to dry naturally.
Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided where possible, particularly in infants and children, as adrenal suppression can occur even without occlusion. Complications sometimes associated with the use of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis include the possibility of rebound relapses, development of tolerance, risk of generalised pustular psoriasis and development of local or systemic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin. If used in psoriasis, careful patient supervision is important.
Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome
Long term use of topical steroids can result in the development of rebound flares after stopping treatment (topical steroid withdrawal syndrome). A severe form of rebound flare can develop which takes the form of a dermatitis with intense redness, stinging and burning that can spread beyond the initial treatment area. It is more likely to occur when delicate skin sites such as the face and flexures are treated. Should there be a reoccurrence of the condition within days to weeks after successful treatment a withdrawal reaction should be suspected. Reapplication should be with caution and specialist advice is recommended in these cases or other treatment options should be considered.
The label will state strong steroid.
Visual disturbance
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
For external use only.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development including cleft palate and intra-uterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk of such effects in the human foetus.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Betamethasone valerate preparations are usually well tolerated, but if signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should be stopped immediately. As with other topical corticosteroids, prolonged use of large amounts or treatment of extensive areas can result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce the features of hypercorticism and suppression of the HPA axis. These effects are more likely to occur in infants and children, and if occlusive dressings are used. Local atrophy may occur after prolonged treatment, particularly under occlusion.
Adverse drug reactions are listed below by MedDRA system organ class and by frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 and <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 and <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
System Organ Class
Frequency
Adverse reaction
Immune System Disorders
Not known
Hypersensitivity
Endocrine Disorders
Not known
Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression
Hypercorticism
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Not known
Skin atrophy
Pustular psoriasis
Withdrawal reactions - redness of the skin which may extend to areas beyond the initial affected area, burning or stinging sensation, itch, skin peeling, oozing pustules. (see section 4.4)
Eye disorders
Not known
Vision, blurred (see also section 4.4)
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Acute overdosage is very unlikely to occur. However, in the case of chronic overdosage or misuse, the features of hypercorticism may appear and in this situation treatment with Betacap Scalp Application should be discontinued.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Betacap Scalp Application. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.