Betnovate Mechanism of Action

Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Corticosteroids, potent (group III). ATC code: D07AC.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: Topical corticosteroids act as anti-inflammatory agents via multiple mechanisms to inhibit late phase allergic reactions including decreasing the density of mast cells, decreasing chemotaxis and activation of eosinophils, decreasing cytokine production by lymphocytes, monocytes, mast cells and eosinophils, and inhibiting the metabolism of arachidonic acid.
Pharmacodynamic effects: Topical corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties.
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Topical corticosteroids can be systemically absorbed from intact healthy skin. The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusion, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may also increase percutaneous absorption.
Distribution: The use of pharmacodynamic endpoints for assessing the systemic exposure of topical corticosteroids is necessary because circulating levels are well below the level of detection.
Metabolism: Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. They are metabolised, primarily in the liver.
Elimination: Topical corticosteroids are excreted by the kidneys. In addition, some corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted in the bile.
Toxicology: Non-Clinical Information: Carcinogenesis/Mutagenesis: Carcinogenesis: Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of betamethasone valerate.
Genotoxicity: No specific studies have been conducted to investigate the genotoxic potential of betamethasone valerate.
Fertility: The effect on fertility of betamethasone valerate has not been evaluated in animals.
Pregnancy: Subcutaneous administration of betamethasone valerate to mice or rats at doses ≥0.1 mg/kg/day or rabbits at doses ≥12 micrograms/kg/day during pregnancy produced foetal abnormalities including cleft palate and intrauterine growth retardation.