Diprogenta is the name of a medicine that is made up of the combination of betamethasone dipropionate and gentamicin sulfate. It is used to treat inflammations due to dermatoses, also accompanied by infections. It comes as a cream, so its use is exclusively topical, that is, external.
What is Diprogenta?
Diprogenta is a medication that combines two different active ingredients: the powerful corticosteroid betamethasone, as propionate, with the bactericidal antibiotic gentamicin in sulfate form.
Betamethasone dipropionate has anti-inflammatory activity and immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties. When used topically, Corticosteroids inhibit inflammatory and allergic reactions of the skin. They produce a vasoconstrictive action, and their immunosuppressive properties reduce the response to hypersensitivity reactions.
In this way, they give rise to the remission of symptoms such as erythema, edema, and exudation. They also relieve the discomfort of itching, burning sensation, and pain. The anti-inflammatory effects result from inhibiting inflammatory mediators’ formation, release, and activity.
On the other hand, gentamicin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with a bactericidal effect, inhibiting the bacteria’s protein synthesis. Gentamicin is generally active against many gram-negative and some gram-positive aerobic bacteria.
Diprogenta acts relatively quickly, and its effects are prolonged over time. For this reason, it can be applied once or twice a day in a thin layer on the area to be treated.
Indications of Diprogenta
Diprogenta is indicated to relieve inflammatory manifestations of dermatoses that respond to corticosteroids, especially when these are complicated by secondary infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to gentamicin.
These dermatoses include:
- Solar.
- Eczema.
- Psoriasis.
- Dyshidrosis.
- Exfoliative.
- lichen planus.
- Neurodermatitis.
- Contact dermatitis.
- Atopic and seborrheic dermatitis.
As we have said, this medicine works by reducing inflammation and calming itching and discomfort. In addition, it treats possible infections sensitive to the action of gentamicin.
However, its use should not exceed two weeks since if the treatment with this active principle is prolonged, significant side effects can be generated.
Possible Side Effects of Diprogenta
The side effects that may appear as a result of prolonged use of this medicine and of treating vast areas of the body are:
- Skin atrophy.
- Inflammation of hair follicles.
- Allergic reactions and infections.
- Redness, acne, and skin rashes.
- Dryness or softening of the skin.
Other more severe side effects would include alterations not only in the skin but also in different systems and even in the development process in minors. In addition, tolerance to gentamicin may also develop, facilitating subsequent infections resistant to the said antibiotic.
This medicine has more aggressive reactions in children that can delay their average growth. This is why this drug should not be used in children under 12.
Precautions and contraindications
Among the contraindications, we find that this medicine, as we have said, cannot be used in children under twelve years of age. Neither should it be used in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, nor in lactating women.
People allergic to the components of this drug should not use it, just as it should not be used against viral or fungal infections or in cases of syphilis, tuberculosis, or oral, ocular, or genital inflammations.
It is not convenient to use this medicine in large areas, areas covered with bandages, or areas of the skin with many folds. The areas with folds lend themselves to the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which could develop resistance.
In cases of psoriasis accompanied by infections, the indication for this drug must be made under medical supervision and be highly controlled. It is important to note that Diprogenta should never be used on open wounds.
Any use of this medicine in other skin conditions will only serve to camouflage its symptoms, preventing or delaying the diagnosis by the dermatologist. Diprogenta has potent antibacterial activity and marked local anti-inflammatory effects. At the dose and method of administration recommended for clinical use, this drug is non-toxic and has excellent systemic tolerance.