A controlled clinical trial of a new formulation of betamethasone dipropionate cream in once-daily treatment of psoriasis

Abstract

In a multicenter, evaluator-blind, parallel group study of 244 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, a once-daily application of a new formulation of beta-methasone dipropionate 0.05% cream, augmented formulation (AF), and a twice-daily application of fluocinonide 0.05% cream were compared, with respect to safety and efficacy. Results significantly favored betamethasone dipropionate AF over fluocinonide, as indicated by improvements in signs of erythema, induration, and scaling, as well as the physicians' and patients' global evaluations of response after 14 days of treatment. As a result of adverse experiences, treatment had to be discontinued in three patients on fluocinonide. No patient on betamethasone dipropionate AF had to discontinue treatment.