Description:

Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion USP Diproson 30ml (by Shalina Laboratories) is a potent topical corticosteroid lotion used to relieve inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. It is indicated for conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis (limited areas), allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematosus, and other inflammatory skin disorders where a lotion base is preferred (e.g., hairy areas, moist/weeping lesions, or scalp involvement). The lotion is non-greasy, spreads easily, and provides rapid relief from redness, swelling, itching, and inflammation. In Ghana (Accra), Diproson 30ml lotion is a common prescription topical steroid available in pharmacies for moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions.

Prescription: Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; typically prescribed by dermatologists or general practitioners after skin assessment; not freely OTC in most pharmacies due to potency and risk of side effects with misuse or prolonged use).

Therapeutic Category:

Potent Topical Corticosteroid (High-potency glucocorticoid for inflammatory dermatoses).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each ml of lotion contains:

• Active ingredient: Betamethasone dipropionate – 0.643 mg (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone per ml or 0.05% w/v). Other ingredients: Propylene glycol, purified water, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, cetomacrogol 1000, chlorocresol (preservative), and fragrance. The lotion is white to off-white, smooth, non-greasy, and has a mild medicinal scent.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Diproson Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion 0.05% 30ml (standard lotion bottle). Related variants: Diproson Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream 0.05% (for dry lesions), Diproson Ointment 0.05% (for very dry/lichenified lesions), or combination products (e.g., betamethasone + clotrimazole + gentamicin for infected inflammatory conditions). The 30ml lotion bottle is the most common size for body/scalp use.

Consume Type:

Topical – Lotion (applied externally to affected skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, or internal use).

Directions/Usage:

• Shake bottle well before use.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area 1–2 times daily (usually morning and evening) or as directed by physician.
• Gently rub in until absorbed.
• Use only on affected areas; avoid face, genitals, flexures, or broken skin unless specifically directed.
• Duration: Short-term (usually 1–2 weeks for acute flares); do not use continuously longer than 4 weeks without medical review.
• For maintenance: Use intermittently or switch to milder steroid as advised.
• Do not cover with occlusive dressings (e.g., plastic wrap) unless prescribed (increases absorption and side effect risk).
• Wash hands after application (unless treating hands).

Common Side Effects: Common (local):

• Burning, stinging, itching, or irritation at application site.
• Dryness, redness.
• Skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks (striate), or telangiectasia (visible blood vessels) with prolonged use. Rare/serious (seek help): Allergic contact dermatitis (worsening rash), perioral dermatitis, rosacea-like eruption, secondary infection, HPA axis suppression (with large areas/long-term use), or glaucoma/cataract (if applied near eyes).

Package Type:

Plastic bottle of 30ml (with flip-top or screw cap; often in individual carton with patient information leaflet and usage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, face (unless directed), genitals, or broken skin.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to betamethasone or any ingredient, untreated bacterial/viral/fungal skin infections, acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis.
• Caution in pregnancy (use only if benefits outweigh risks; short-term/low surface area), breastfeeding (avoid treated area), children (risk of growth suppression with prolonged use), or large areas/long-term use (risk of skin atrophy, HPA axis suppression).
• Do not use under occlusive dressings unless prescribed.
• If worsening rash, infection signs (pus, increased redness), or no improvement after 7–14 days, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overuse risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotions in Ghana include:

• Generic betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion (various importers).
• Diprosone Lotion (original Organon/Merck brand if stocked).
• Alternatives: Betamethasone valerate 0.1% lotion/cream (potent steroid), hydrocortisone 1% (milder for face), clobetasol propionate 0.05% lotion (ultra-potent – for severe cases only), or mometasone furoate lotion. Consult dermatologist/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Korle Bu Dermatology, Scab Pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Shalina Laboratories (Belgium-based multinational pharmaceutical company with manufacturing facilities in India and Africa; Shalina produces a wide range of generics, including Diproson betamethasone products for emerging markets). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Shalina Laboratories Ghana or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India (most Shalina generic topical corticosteroids like Diproson are manufactured in India; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies). Some batches may be produced in Shalina’s facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo or other locations, but India is the primary source for export to West Africa.