Comparative bioavailability of some locally manufactured betamethasone valerate containing preparations

Abstract

The bioavailabilities of three locally manufactured proprietary betamethasone- 17-valerate containing creams and ointments were compared by measuring their abilities to cause blanching of human skin after topical application. The preparations studied were Betnovate Cream and Ointment, Celestoderm-V Cream and Ointment and Persivate Cream and Ointment. Celestoderm-V cream displayed a significantly superior blanching activity over both Betnovate and Persivate creams in' the occluded mode, whereas Persivate cream displayed a significantly superior blanching activity over both Betnovate and Celestoderm-V creams in the unoccluded mode. Persivate ointment was found to produce a significantly superior blanching activity over Betnovate and Celestoderm-V ointments in both the occluded and unoccluded modes of application.