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Alphatrex: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Alphatrex - General Information

A glucocorticoid given orally, parenterally, by local injection, by inhalation, or applied topically in the management of various disorders in which corticosteroids are indicated. Its lack of mineralocorticoid properties makes betamethasone particularly suitable for treating cerebral edema and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p724)

 

Pharmacology of Alphatrex

Alphatrex and its derivatives, betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate, are synthetic glucocorticoids. Used for its antiinflammatory or immunosuppressive properties, betamethasone is combined with a mineralocorticoid to manage adrenal insufficiency and is used in the form of betamethasone benzoate, betamethasone dipropionate, or betamethasone valerate for the treatment of inflammation due to corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Alphatrex and clotrimazole are used together to treat cutaneous tinea infections.

 

Alphatrex for patients

Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions. This information is intended to aid in the safe and effective use of this medication. It is not a disclosure of all possible adverse or intended effects.

1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician and should not be used longer than the prescribed time period. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

2. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.

3. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive.

4. Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions.

5. Other corticosteroid-containing products should not be used with DIPROLENE AF Cream without first talking to your physician.

 

Alphatrex Interactions

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Alphatrex Contraindications

DIPROLENE AF Cream is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone dipropionate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation.

 

Additional information about Alphatrex

Alphatrex Indication

Topical use (cream, lotion and ointment): for relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Topical use (foam)
relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp
Systemic use
for the treatment of edocrine disorders, rheumatic disorders, collagen diseases, dermatological diseases, allergic states, ophthalmic diseases, respiratory diseases, hematologic disorders, neoplastic diseases, edematous states, gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculous meningitis and trichinosis.
Mechanism Of Action
Alphatrex is a glucocorticoid receptor agonist. The antiinflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins, phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids due to a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding. Alphatrex binds to plasma transcortin, and it becomes active when it is not bound to transcortin.
Drug Interactions
Ambenonium The corticosteroid decreases the effect of anticholinesterases
Food Interactions
Take with food to reduce irritation.
Generic Name
Betamethasone
Drug Category
Corticosteroid; Glucocorticoids; Anti-inflammatory, steroidal; Immunosuppressive Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Betamethasone
Alphatrex; Bebate; Becort; Bedifos; Beta-Methasone; Beta-Methasone Alcohol; Beta-Val; Betacorlan; Betacortril; Betaderm; Betadexamethasone; Betafluorene; Betamamallet; Betametasona [Inn-Spanish]; Betametasone [DCIT]; Betamethasone Alcohol; Betamethasone Base; Betamethasone Cream; Betamethasone Dipropionate; Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate; Betamethasone Valearate; Betamethasone Valerate; Betamethasone [Usan-Ban-Inn-Jan]; Betamethasonum [Inn-Latin]; Betamethasonvalerat Mikron; Betamethazone; Betapredol; Betasolon; Betatrex; Betnelan; Betsolan; Celestene; Celestone; Celestone Syrup and Tablets; Cidoten; Dermabet; Desacort-Beta; Diproderm; Diprolene; Diprolene AF; Diprosone; Flubenisolone; Hormezon; Lotrisone; Luxiq; Luxiqo; Maxivate; Methazon; Rinderon; Rinderon A; Uticort; Valisone; Valnac; Visubeta;
Absorption
Minimal if applied topically.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of overdose include burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria.
Protein Binding
64%
Biotransformation
Hepatic
Half Life
5.6 hours
Dosage Forms of Alphatrex
Ointment Topical
Chemical IUPAC Name
(8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,16S,17R)-9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
Chemical Formula
C22H29FO5
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals