Diprogenta: What Is It And What Is It For?

Diprogenta is the name of a drug composed by the combination of betamethasone dipropionate and gentamicin sulfate. It is used to treat inflammation due to dermatoses , which are also accompanied by infections. It can be found in the form of a cream, so its use is exclusively topical, that is, external.

What is diprogenta?

This medicine combines two different active ingredients: the powerful corticosteroid betamethasone, as dipropionate, with the bactericidal antibiotic gentamicin in the form of sulfate.

Betamethasone dipropionate has anti-inflammatory activity and immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties . Corticosteroids, when used ​​topically, inhibit inflammatory and allergic skin reactions. They cause a vasoconstrictor action, and their immunosuppressive properties reduce the response to hypersensitivity reactions.

In this way, they lead 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 the inhibition of the formation, release and activity of inflammation mediators.

On the other hand, the gentamicin sulphate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with a bactericidal effect , which acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Gentamicin is generally activated against many gram-negative aerobic bacteria and some gram-positive 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.

Diprogent Indications

It is indicated for the relief of inflammatory manifestations of dermatoses that respond to corticosteroids, especially when they are complicated by secondary infections, caused by microorganisms sensitive to gentamicin.

These dermatoses include:

• Psoriasis.
• Contact dermatitis.
• Atopic dermatitis .
• Neurodermatitis.
• Lichen planus.
• Eczema .
• Dyshidrosis.
• Seborrheic dermatitis.
• Exfoliative dermatitis.

As we said, this medication 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 ingredient is prolonged for a long period, important side effects may occur.

Possible side effects of diprogent

Side effects that may appear as a consequence of prolonged use of this medication and treatment of very large areas of the body are:

• Skin atrophy.
• Dryness or softening of the skin.
• Inflammation of hair follicles.
• Allergic reactions and infections.
• Redness, acne and rashes.

Other more serious side effects include changes not only in the skin, but also in other systems and even in the developmental process in children. In addition, tolerance to gentamicin can also develop, which would facilitate subsequent infections resistant to said antibiotic.

In children, this medication has more aggressive reactions, which can slow their normal growth. This is why this medicine should not be used in children under 12 years of age.

Precautions and contraindications

Among the contraindications, we found that this drug, as we said, cannot be used in children under twelve years of age. It should also not be used in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, or in breastfeeding women.

People allergic to the components of this medicine should not use it . Likewise, it should not be used in cases of viral or fungal infections, nor in cases of syphilis, tuberculosis, oral, ocular or genital inflammations.

It is not advisable to use this medicine on wide areas , on areas covered with bandages or on areas of the skin with many folds. Areas with folds are susceptible to the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which can develop resistance.

In cases of psoriasis accompanied by infections, the indication for this drug should be made under medical supervision and closely monitored. Importantly, diprogenta should never be used on open wounds .

Any use of this medication in other skin conditions will only serve to camouflage your symptoms, preventing or delaying the dermatologist’s diagnosis.

Conclusion

Diprogenta has powerful antibacterial activity and marked local anti-inflammatory effects. In the dosage and form of administration recommended for clinical use, this drug is non-toxic and has a very good systemic tolerance .