Diprogenta Is the trade name given to the combination of betamethasone dipropionate and gentamicin sulfate. This is a medicine that has been designed to treat inflammations due to dermatosis that are also accompanied by infections. It comes in the form of a cream, so it only has topical, ie external use.
Based on the above, it can be said that Diprogenta is a product that should not be ingested, since it is a unique and exclusively dermatological drug; That is, it only serves to be used on the skin.
In addition, Diprogenta has pharmaco-chemical properties that should be carefully observed before administration in cases where there are clear contraindications and warnings of adverse reactions (in other words, side effects).
Also, Diprogenta has pharmacological aspects that should not be overlooked. Although this cream has no known interaction with other products, Diprogenta has toxicological repercussions on the human body. That is to say, that in doses superior to those indicated by the doctor this medicine can negatively affect the health of the patient, especially if its treatment is carried out without the proper vigilance of the dermatologist.
Composition
Diprogenta is a cream composed of a corticoid (a type of steroid) that has anti-inflammatory properties and an antibiotic that fights bacterial infections. As already mentioned, the active ingredients of Diprogenta are two: betamethasone dipropionate and gentamicin sulfate.
Each gram of this drug is distributed respectively in 0.5 milligrams of the first and 1 milligram of the second, not including the excipients that are contained within the formula.
Excipients have multiple purposes that can not be described here. But it is worth noting that Diprogenta has, for example, purified water (or distilled, as it is also known), white vaseline (which explains the color and texture of the cream), ether, phosphoric acid and liquid paraffin, without Mention others. These ingredients appear equally in the presentations of Diprogenta, as in tubes of 30 grams and in those of 60 grams, among others.
Pharmacology
There are two main properties of diprogenta: pharmacodynamics, related to physiological and biochemical effects, and pharmacokinetics, linked to the displacement of the drug in the human body.
In pharmacodynamics, Diprogenta is characterized by its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antiproliferative and bactericidal properties. This means, in other words, that this medicine not only deflates the skin, but the pound of harmful microorganisms.
On the other hand, the pharmacokinetic properties of Diprogenta imply that they have an easier and quicker absorption when the skin where it is applied is healthy. There are several factors that can alter this process, but generally develops normally, that is, the active ingredients of the cream pass into the bloodstream, then to the liver and from there are expelled by the urine (in laboratory experiments performed In mice, is by bile).
All studies that have been carried out in humans have undoubtedly demonstrated that the best route of application of Diprogenta is the topical, which is the external route, rather than the oral route.
This is so for a compelling reason; That the active ingredients of this cream are not well absorbed in the intestines, hence it makes no sense that this drug is made into tablets. Therefore Diprogenta has been proven to be better metabolized in the skin.
Indication S
Diprogenta is mainly used in those conditions of the skin that are inflammatory like dermatosis, which is a disorder that yields to the action of the active principles of this cream.
It is also used to combat psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin diseases caused by any class of microorganisms that are vulnerable to gentamicin. In no way should this medication be used outside these specifications (see section 7).
Dosage
Although it is the doctor who determines the exact dose of diprogenta, it is usually given to adults and young people over 12 years of age (there are contraindications for children, see sections 5 and 7 below) twice perday.
This application should only be done in the affected area, with thin layers of cream covering the lesion of the skin. It is recommended that the treatment does not last more than two weeks.
Contraindications
Apart from the universal prohibition in case of allergy to the components (which is common in medicines), the use of Diprogenta is contraindicated in the following circumstances:
- Patients infected with syphilis, chickenpox, tuberculosis, herpes and related diseases.
- When there are fungus on the patient's skin.
- In children (some advise against using children under 12 years of age, others suggest not using the drug in children under 1 year). Diprogenta is not a pediatric cream.
- Patients with dermatitis and skin inflammations of this type on the face, such as rosacea.
- In people with skin atrophy problems.
- In parts of the skin that show reactions to the vaccines, such as inflammation and redness.
Adverse reactions
Diprogenta has no undesirable effect on the patient when driving machines and vehicles, hence in that sense can be used without problems. However, this cream may have adverse reactions that are not present in all people, but in very exceptional or specific cases.
For example, diprogenta can cause changes in skin color and even allergies, but these symptoms are rare and therefore do not usually manifest very often.
While Diprogenta may cause itching, inflammation with red spots (erythema), hypersensitivity and irritation, these symptoms of treatment with gentamicin have almost never been a reason to stop using this medication.
However, abuse of corticosteroids, as well as their use in large areas, even if it is with dressings (external remedies that are covered with bandages, gauze, etc.), can lead to several adverse reactions in the skin , such as:
- Formation of cracks (cracking).
- Burning.
- Discoloration (which doctors call hypopigmentation) and maceration (soft, weak, moistened skin).
- Secondary skin infections.
- Dryness (dry skin).
- Acne.
- Hypertrichosis (excessive hair known as the"werewolf disease").
- Telangiectasia (appearance of blood vessels that are usually small and dilated).
- Growth and / or abnormal development or with malformations (atrophy).
- Dermatitis around the mouth (perioral), with vesicles or pustules (miliaria, rash) and by contact allergy.
- Folliculitis (inflammation in the hair follicles, which give hair growth).
- Stretch marks.
Additionally, the absorption of Diprogenta through the skin can also generate adverse reactions that extend to various parts of the human body that are not those treated in the patient.
This happens because the active substances dissolve and pass into the bloodstream, which means that they are distributed or concentrated in other organs and tissues that are healthy. Consequently, additional effects may occur from the use of corticosteroids. These include:
- Cushing's syndrome .
- Problems with blood glucose, such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and glucosuria (glucose in the urine).
- Increased tension (high blood pressure).
- Increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Hair loss (alopecia).
- Increased activity in the thyroid, leading to hyperthyroidism.
- General sensory problems (paresthesia), such as tingling sensation and numbness.
- Edema (commonly known as fluid retention).
- Hypokalemia (ie, reduced levels of potassium in the blood).
There are adverse effects of Diprogenta that are not related to its use according to the doses indicated by the doctor, but by overdose.
A single overdose is not enough to cause serious problems since they are completely reversible through a treatment that alleviates the symptoms. But an indiscriminate use of Diprogenta can cause alterations in the functions of the kidneys, apart from lesions on the skin caused by bacteria and fungi (ie, bacterial resistance).
Precautions
First of all, the use of Diprogenta must take into account the aforementioned contraindications and adverse reactions explained above, especially in pregnancy, lactation and in children under 12 years of age.
In special cases where there may be allergy or hypersensitivity to the components of this drug, it is preferable that its use is under the guidance of a physician who makes an objective assessment of the risks and benefits of that drug.
However, it should be noted that there are a number of measures and considerations highly recommended when using Diprogenta, which should be followed to the letter. These are:
- The application of diprogenta in large areas of the skin, and even more so if this is done by covering the cream with dressings (gauze, adhesive strips sanitary, etc.), makes its active ingredients are absorbed faster and more parts of the human body . This makes the patient more vulnerable to side effects of the drug. Therefore, diprogenta should only be used in precise areas of the skin, which after treatment should not be covered by bandages of any kind.
- Diprogenta is a medication that is not indicated for use on the face, eyes, mucous membranes (nostrils, etc.), genitals and much less in the so-called intertriginous areas (ie those parts of the skin that are rubbed Contact, such as the armpit, the inner side of the elbow, etc.), which lend themselves to the accumulation of bacteria and fungi that could develop resistance, which would worsen health rather than improve it.
- The use of Diprogenta in cases of psoriasis accompanied by infections must be careful and under strict medical supervision.
- Any use of this medication in conditions of different nature will only camouflage its symptoms and will hinder the diagnosis of the dermatologist. Diprogenta should only be applied in those indications for which it was created (see section 2 of this article).
- Under no circumstances should diprogenta be used on open wounds.
- The active ingredients of this drug, such as corticosteroids, have hormonal effects that do not greatly affect adults. In children, however, Diprogenta has more aggressive reactions that can delay its normal growth. It is this precise reason why this drug should not be administered to children under 12 years of age.
Interactions
To the best of our knowledge, diprogenta cream has no interaction with other medications, regardless of its type. It has also not been shown that diprogenta has interactions with other chemicals that can be ingested orally, such as alcohol or drugs.
However, it is highly recommended that the patient tell their doctor if they are taking any drugs, in order to assess potential adverse effects with their application to the skin.
This article is only intended to give general information about Diprogenta, which is why pharmaceutical terminology will not be used much. Since Diprogenta is a product that comes in different presentations, it will be spoken of in a very global way. It should be noted that Diprogenta is a registered trade mark in the name of the defunct Schering-Plow, This writing is not an official publication of the company and its author does not act on her behalf .
This means that you should consult a specialist beforehand if you have an illness that can be treated with Diprogenta; Do not use if you do not need it or if your doctor has not told you to. . It is also important to limit what the brochures that are printed on all medicines say: it is necessary that you always go to the doctor if there are adverse effects, if you have allergy to any of its components and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. See the references section for more details.
References
- Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (2011a). Diprogenta [Online article]. Madrid Spain. Government of Spain; Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality. Consulted the 31 of January of 2017, in: msd.es.
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (Review, 2010). Betamethasone Topical [Online article]. Maryland, United States. MedlinePlus [Website], National Library of Medicine of the United States. Accessed January 31, 2017, at: medlineplus.gov.
- Diprogenta [Online article] (2015). P.R.Vademécum [Web page]. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Clyna S.A. Accessed January 31, 2017, at: ar.prvademecum.com.
- McVan, Barbara (1995). Pharmaceutical References: a reference manual for health professionals (Francisco Balderrama Encimas, trans.). Mexico D.F., Mexico. Modern Manual.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (No year). Gentamicin [Online article]. Maryland, United States. U.S. National Library of Medicine, PubChem Compound Database. Accessed January 31, 2017, at: pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Rodríguez Carranza, Rodolfo (1999). Academic Vademecum of medicines (3rd ed.). Mexico D.F., Mexico. McGraw-Hill Interamericana.
- IPE On-Line Pharmaceutical Formulary [Webpage] (2017). Diprogenta [Online article]. Mexico D.F., Mexico. Editorial Multicolor S.A. Consulted the 31 of January of 2017, in: medicamentos.com.mx.