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.
Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment
⚠ 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, Clioquinol may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for
Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment contains two different medicines called betamethasone valerate and clioquinol. Betamethasone valerate belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It helps to reduce swelling and irritation. Clioquinol is a type of anti-infective medicine. It fights bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. This medicine is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems. These skin problems include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or insect bites, where an infection may be a problem. 2.
What you need to know before you take it
e Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment
Do not use Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment:
- if you are allergic to betamethasone valerate, clioquinol or any of the other ingredients (listed in section 6)
- if you are allergic to iodine
- on a child under 2 years old
- to treat any of the following skin problems, it could make them worse:
- acne
- severe flushing of skin on and around your nose (rosacea)
- spotty red rash around your mouth (perioral dermatitis)
- itchy skin which is not inflamed
- viral infections, such as cold sores, herpes or chicken pox
- blisters or sores on your face and hands (impetigo), or other bacterial infections
- fungal infections, such as ringworm, athletes foot or thrush
- itching around your back passage (anus) or private parts (genitals) – unless your doctor has told you to do so.
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If any of the above apply to you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment if
- you are applying the ointment under an airtight dressing, including a child's nappy make sure that the skin is cleansed before a fresh dressing is applied to prevent infections. These dressings make it easier for the active ingredient to pass through the skin. It is possible to accidentally end up using too much. Prolonged use with occlusive dressings may cause the body to produce lower levels of the hormone cortisol than normal.
- take care if you have ever had an allergy to any creams or ointments in the past.
- take care when applying Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment to the face over a long period of time as it may cause skin thinning.
- take care when applying the ointment to the eyelids to make sure it does not get into your eye as there may be a risk of developing glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) or cataract (clouding of the eye's lens) from repeated exposure.
- you have psoriasis, your doctor will want to see you more often.
- if you are using large quantities for a prolonged period or you are treating a large area of the body. This medicine may be absorbed through the skin and into your blood stream which can result in the following symptoms of hypercortisolism developing; stretch marks, the appearance of blood vessels under the surface of your skin, increased body hair growth, changes in skin colour, skin thinning, weight gain or rounding of the face (moon face).
- prolonged use or use under occlusive dressings may result in damage to the nervous system.
- if you have eczema around a leg ulcer, using a topical corticosteroid may increase the risk of an allergic reaction or an infection around the ulcer.
- take care when applying as the cream may stain hair, skin or clothing. Cover application with dressing to protect clothing.
- do not dilute Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment. 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 requires a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the ointment without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to 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. Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. Children
- Do not use this medicine on a child under 2 years of age.
- Avoid long-term continuous treatment in infants and children over 2 years of age with or without an occlusive dressing or nappy as adrenocortical suppression (where the body produces lower levels of the hormone cortisol than normal) and growth retardation may occur. Other medicines and Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment 97B/L/m/10
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription and herbal products. Some medicines may affect how Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment works or make it more likely that you'll have side effects. Examples of these medicines include:
- ritonavir and itraconazole
- vigabatrin Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor has recommended you to do so. If you do use Betamethasone/Clioquinol Cream when breast-feeding, don't use it on your breast area to ensure that the baby does not accidentally get Betamethasone/Clioquinol Cream in their mouth. Driving and using machines Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment is unlikely to affect your ability to operate machinery or to drive. 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. Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment is classed as a strong corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition. 3.
How to take it
Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Using this medicine You usually apply the ointment 2 or 3 times a day. This may be reduced as your skin begins to get better. This ointment is for use on your skin only. Do not use more than the amount prescribed for you. Do not use on large areas of the body for a long time (such as every day for many weeks or months) unless your doctor tells you to. The germs that cause infections like warm, moist conditions under bandages or dressings so always clean the skin before a fresh dressing is put on. If you are applying the ointment on someone else make sure you wash your hands after use or wear disposable plastic gloves. If your skin problem does not improve after 7 days talk to your doctor. Do not mix with any other creams or ointments. Guidance on how to apply the ointment 1. Wash your hands. 2. Gently rub the correct amount of ointment into the skin until it has all disappeared. You can measure how much ointment to use with your fingertip. This picture shows one fingertip unit. 97B/L/m/10
3.
Unless you are meant to apply the ointment to your hands as a part of the treatment, wash them again after using the ointment.
For an adult You should find that: two fingertips of ointment will cover both hands or one foot three fingertips of ointment will cover one arm six fingertips of ointment will cover one leg fourteen fingertips of ointment will cover the front and back of the body. Do not worry if you find you need a little more or a little less than this. It is only a rough guide. For a child Do not use it on children under 1 year of age. The smaller the child the less you will need to use. A child of 4 years needs about a third of the adult amount. A course of treatment for a child should not normally last more than 5 days, unless your doctor has told you to use it for longer. If you apply Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment to your face You should only apply the ointment to your face if your doctor tells you to. It should not be used for more than 5 days, as the skin on your face thins easily. Do not let the ointment get into your eyes. If you use more Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment than you should If, by mistake on a few occasions you use more than you should, do not worry. If you apply a lot or if a lot is accidentally swallowed, it could make you ill. Talk to your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible. If you forget to use Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment If you forget to use the ointment, use it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as usual. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop using Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment If you use this medicine regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. STOP using this medicine and tell your doctor as soon as possible if: you find that your condition gets worse or becomes swollen during treatment. You may be allergic to the ointment, have an infection or need other treatment. This can happen very rarely during treatment. you have psoriasis you may get raised bumps with pus under the skin. This can happen rarely during or after treatment and is known as pustular psoriasis. Other side effects you may notice when using Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment include: Common (affects less than 1 in 10 people) local skin burning or pain itchy skin 97B/L/m/10
Very rare (affects less than 1 in 10,000 people) Use of Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment for a long time, or use under an airtight dressing, may cause the following symptoms: stretch marks may develop the appearance of blood vessels under the surface of your skin increased body hair growth changes in skin colour thinning of your skin and it may also damage more easily skin wrinkling skin dryness weight gain / obesity rounding of the face (moon face) hair loss / lack of hair growth / damaged looking hair Other very rare skin reactions that may occur are: allergic reaction at the site of application worsening of condition application site irritation or pain redness rash or hives skin infection hair discolouration The following very rare side effects may also occur in children: delayed weight gain slow growth Very rare side effects that may show up in blood tests or when your doctor gives you a medical examination: a decrease in the level of the hormone cortisol in your blood increased levels of sugar in your blood or urine high blood pressure cloudy lens in the eye (cataract) increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma) weakening of the bones through gradual loss of mineral (osteoporosis) – additional tests may be needed after your medical examination to confirm if you have this condition. Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
- blurred vision Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used continuously for prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction may occur on 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. Reporting of side effects
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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 side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
How to store it
Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube end or carton after Exp. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 30°C. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment contains The active substances are betamethasone valerate and clioquinol. Each 1 gram of ointment contains 1.22 mg betamethasone valerate (equivalent to 1.0 mg betamethasone) and 30 mg clioquinol. The other ingredients are: white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. What Betamethasone/Clioquinol Ointment looks like and contents of the pack Within each carton is a tube with a plastic screw cap, which contains 15 g or 30 g of ointment. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Essential Generics, 8a Crabtree Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8RN, United Kingdom. Manufacturer Purna Pharmaceuticals NV, Rijksweg 17, 2870 Puurs, Belgium. This leaflet was last revised in July 2025.
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Frequently asked questions about Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment
How do I take Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment?
Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment comes as ointment containing 1mg / 30mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment?
The active substance in Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment is betamethasone valerate, clioquinol.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment, 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 Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment 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, clioquinol
- 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
Betamethasone valerate is an active topical corticosteroid which produces a rapid response in those inflammatory dermatoses that are normally responsive to topical corticosteroid therapy, and is often effective in the less responsive conditions such as psoriasis.
Clioquinol is an anti-infective agent which has both antibacterial and anticandidal activity.
Betamethasone/Clioquinol skin preparations are indicated for the treatment of the following conditions where secondary bacterial and/or fungal infection is present, suspected, or likely to occur: eczema in children and adults, including atopic and discoid eczemas, prurigo nodularis; psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis); neurodermatoses; seborrhoeic dermatitis; contact sensitivity reactions and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Betamethasone/Clioquinol skin preparations can also be used in the management of secondary infected insect bites and anal and genital intertrigo.
The ointment is often appropriate for dry, lichenified or scaly lesions, but this is not invariably so.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
A small quantity of ointment should be applied gently to the affected area two or three times daily until improvement occurs. It may then be possible to maintain improvement by applying once a day, or even less often.
Paediatric population
Courses should be limited to five days if possible. Occlusion should not be used.
Method of administration
For topical administration.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Use of Betamethasone/Clioquinol skin preparations is not indicated in the treatment of:
- Rosacea,
- Acne vulgaris
- Perioral dermatitis
- Primary cutaneous viral infections (e.g. herpes simplex, chickenpox)
- Primary infected skin lesions caused by infection with fungi (e.g. candidiasis, tinea) or bacteria (e.g. impetigo)
- Primary or secondary infections due to yeast
- Perianal or genital pruritus
- Dermatoses in children under 2 years of age, including dermatitis and napkin eruptions.
Use of Betamethasone/Clioquinol skin preparations is not indicated in the treatment of primary infected skin lesions caused by infection with fungi (e.g. candidiasis, tinea); or bacteria (e.g. impetigo); primary or secondary, infections due to yeast; perianal or genital pruritus; dermatoses in children under 1 years of age, including dermatitis and napkin eruptions.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression
Manifestations of hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) and reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression can occur in some individuals as a result of increased systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. In this situation, topical steroids should be discontinued gradually under medical supervision because of the risk of adrenal insufficiency (see sections 4.8 and 4.9).
Application to the Face
The face, more than other areas of the body, may exhibit atrophic changes after prolonged treatment with potent topical corticosteroids. This must be borne in mind when treating such conditions as psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosus and severe eczema with this medicinal product.
Application to the Eyelids
If applied to the eyelids, care is needed to ensure that the preparation does not enter the eye, as cataract and glaucoma might result.
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.
Chronic leg ulcers
Topical corticosteroids are sometimes used to treat the dermatitis around chronic leg ulcers. However, this use may be associated with a higher occurrence of local hypersensitivity reactions and an increased risk of local infection.
Paediatric population
In comparison with adults, children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic adverse effects. If used in childhood, or on the face, courses should be limited to five days and occlusion should not be used.
Use in Psoriasis
Topical corticosteroids may be hazardous in psoriasis for a number of reasons including 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.
Long term continuous or inappropriate 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 advise is recommended in these cases or other treatment options should be considered.
Infection
If infection persists, systemic chemotherapy is required. Any spread of infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy. Bacterial infection is encouraged by the warm, moist conditions induced by occlusive dressings, and the skin should be cleansed before a fresh dressing is applied.
Do not continue for more than 7 days in the absence of clinical improvement, since occult extension of infection may occur due to the masking effect of the steroid.
Staining
This medicinal product may stain hair, skin or fabric, and the application should be covered with a dressing to protect clothing.
Dilution
Products which contain antimicrobial agents should not be diluted.
The least potent corticosteroid which will control the disease should be selected.
Neurotoxicity
There is a theoretical risk of neurotoxicity from the topical application of clioquinol, particularly when Betamethasone/Clioquinol skin preparations are used for prolonged periods or under occlusion.
Fire hazard in contact with dressings, clothing and bedding
Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
These preparations do not contain lanolin or parabens.
The label will state strong steroid.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Co-administered drugs that can inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g. ritonavir, itraconazole) have been shown to inhibit the metabolism of corticosteroids leading to increased systemic exposure. The extent to which this interaction is clinically relevant depends on the dose and route of administration of the corticosteroids and the potency of the CYP3A4 inhibitor
Theoretical concerns exist that oculotoxic effects of vigabatrin may be additive with cliquinol. Vigabatrin should not be used with clioquinol.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Fertility
There are no data in humans to evaluate the effect of betamethasone valerate-clioquinol on fertility.
Pregnancy
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 intrauterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk of such effects in the human fetus.
Breast-feeding
The safe use of Betamethasone/Clioquinol during lactation has not been established.
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could results in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable amounts in breast milk.
Administration of Betamethasone/Clioquinol during lactation should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the infant.
If used during lactation, Betamethasone/Clioquinol should not be applied to the breasts to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Betamethasone/Clioquinol skin preparations has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Adverse reactions are listed below by MedDRA system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1000) and very rare (<1/10,000) including isolated reports.
Post-marketing data
Infections and Infestations
Very rare
Opportunistic infection
Immune System Disorders
Very rare
Local hypersensitivity
Endocrine Disorders
Very rare
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression: Cushingoid features (e.g. moon face, central obesity), delayed weight gain/growth retardation in children, osteoporosis, glaucoma, hyperglycaemia/glucosuria, cataract, hypertension, increased weight/obesity, decreased endogenous cortisol levels, alopecia, trichorrhexis
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Common
Pruritus, local skin burning/skin pain
Very rare
Allergic contact dermatitis/dermatitis, erythema, rash, urticaria, pustular psoriasis, skin thinning*/skin atrophy*, skin wrinkling*, skin dryness*, striae*, telangiectasias*, pigmentation changes, hypertrichosis, exacerbation of underlying symptoms *Skin features secondary to local and or systemic effects of hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
Very rare
Application site irritation/pain Eye disorders
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 Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the 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 Cushing's syndrome may appear and in this situation topical steroids should be discontinued gradually under medical supervision (see section 4.4).
🇷🇴 Known in Romania as
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Betamethasone valerate, Clioquinol. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- EKARZIN 0,5 mg/g prescription partial — not the same combinationBETAMETHASONUM · skin / topical
- BETADERM 1 mg/g prescription partial — not the same combinationBETAMETHASONUM · skin / topical
- BETAMETAZONA FITERMAN 0,5 mg/g prescription partial — not the same combinationBETAMETHASONUM · skin / topical
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Betamethasone valerate, Clioquinol. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- Betnovate C partial — not the same combinationBetamethasoni valeras + Clioquinolum · skin / topical
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Betamethasone valerate/Clioquinol 1 mg/30 mg/g Ointment. 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.