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Potent corticosteroid + antibacterial/antifungal

Betamethasone with clioquinol

Brand names: Betnovate-C

This combination pairs the potent topical corticosteroid betamethasone with the antimicrobial clioquinol for inflammatory skin conditions where bacterial or fungal infection is suspected.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Betamethasone provides anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive corticosteroid effects while clioquinol contributes antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Prescribing in practice

  • Reserve the corticosteroid-antimicrobial combination for short-term use where infection coexists with inflammation, as the potent steroid risks skin atrophy with prolonged use.
  • Clioquinol stains skin and clothing, and may stain fair hair and nails.
  • Avoid the face and flexures where possible and step down once the condition settles.

Monitoring

No routine laboratory monitoring is required; review the treated skin for response, atrophy and resolution of infection.

Counselling the patient

  • It can stain skin, clothing and light-coloured hair or nails.
  • Apply thinly to affected areas only for the short period advised.
  • Avoid use on the face or in skin folds unless specifically directed.

Evidence & guidelines

Combined topical corticosteroid and antimicrobial preparations are recommended for short-term use in infected inflammatory dermatoses in line with standard UK practice.

Reference: NICE NG198; BAD; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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