Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin
About
Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics and steroids used to treat various bacterial skin infections. Bacterial skin infections include eczema (inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin patches), psoriasis (uneven or bumpy red patches covered with white scales), and dermatitis (itchy inflammation of the skin). A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria grow in the body and cause infection.
Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin is a combination of three drugs: Zinc (antiseptic), Betamethasone (corticosteroid), and Gentamicin (antibiotic). Betamethasone blocks prostaglandin production (chemical messengers), making the affected area red, swollen, and itchy. Gentamicin prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by the bacteria to carry out vital functions. Zinc acts as an antiseptic (prevents microbe's growth) and astringent (contracts the skin cells) on the skin.
You are advised to use Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. You may experience peeling of the skin, drying and cracking of the skin, acne, change in skin colour, dry skin, itching, irritation, or burning sensation at the application site. Most of these side effects of Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not use Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with bandages unless advised by your doctor. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) in contact with Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin catches fire and burns easily, which is a serious fire hazard. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin.
Uses of Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin
Medicinal Benefits
Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin is a combination of three drugs: Zinc, Betamethasone, and Gentamicin, which reduces swelling, itching, and redness caused due to bacterial skin infections. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid and blocks prostaglandin's production (chemical messengers), which makes the affected area red, swollen, and itchy. Betamethasone effectively treats inflammation and itchiness. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that prevents bacteria synthesising essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Zinc acts as an antiseptic (prevents microbe's growth) and astringent (contracts the skin cells) on the skin. Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin used to treat various bacterial skin infections, such as eczema (inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin patches), psoriasis (skin cells multiply rapidly to form bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales), dermatitis (itchy inflammation of the skin).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin
- Peeling of skin
- Drying and cracking of the skin
- Acne
- Change in skin colour
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Irritation
- Burning sensation at the application site
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin if you are allergic to any of its components. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor. Do not use Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin on children unless prescribed by the doctor. Do not wrap or cover the treated area with bandages unless advised by your doctor, as it may increase the risk of side effects. Do not use Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin in more than prescribed doses or on a large area of skin for a longer duration, as it may cause side effects and makes skin more sensitive to Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin. Do not swallow Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin. In case of accidental swallowing, please consult a doctor. Do not apply Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin (skin cream) in the eye as it may lead to glaucoma or cataract. Please consult a doctor if you experience blurred vision or other vision disturbances. Keep your doctor informed about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any side effects. If you have acne, perioral dermatitis (redness and swelling of the skin around the mouth), rosacea (redness and often red, small, pus-filled bumps on the face), glaucoma, cataracts, ear or eye infections due to fungus, a hole in the eardrum, syphilis (a bacterial infection), chickenpox or sores, athlete’s foot, broken veins or skin ulcers, tuberculosis, please inform your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin may interact with medicines used for preventing pregnancy (mifepristone), antidiabetic drugs (metformin, pioglitazone, acarbose, glimepiride), antibiotics (azithromycin, rifampicin), antianxiety (phenobarbitone), medicines used to treat eczema (tacrolimus), medicines for skin disease (bacitracin), medicines for tuberculosis (Capreomycin), antifungal (clotrimazole), water pills (furosemide).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have rosacea (red, small, pus-filled bumps on the face), acne, perioral dermatitis (redness and swelling of the skin around the mouth), diabetes, tuberculosis, syphilis (a bacterial infection), chickenpox or sores, broken veins or skin ulcers, please inform your doctor before using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not apply Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin on the breast area. Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is unknown if Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin affects your ability to drive. Please consult a doctor.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin in patients with Kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionZinc+betamethasone+gentamicin should be used with caution in children if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid), such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach, and blueberries.
- Consuming food rich in probiotics helps in developing the immune system against allergies.
- Limit food intake that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
- Avoid the consumption of foods with excess sugar, as it may flare up inflammation.
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and fish.
Special Advise
- Please consult a dermatologist if the symptoms persist or worsen after using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin for one month.
- Do not use Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin on dressing, band-aids, and make-up unless told by the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial skin infection: This is a skin condition in which the immune system becomes triggered and disordered, causing inflammation, dry skin, itching, and a skin rash that appears purple or grey or red in colour.
Eczema: It is caused due to change in the gene, which forms filaggrin (protein). This protein gets damaged due to the bacterial infection damaging the skin barrier, allowing bacteria to cause dry, itchy, and allergic skin.
Psoriasis: It is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply and form bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales.
FAQs
Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin contains Betamethasone, Gentamicin, and Zinc. Betamethasone inhibits the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching, and swelling. Gentamicin inhibits the production of essential proteins necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply, and increase in numbers. Thereby, it stops the growth of bacteria without killing them directly. Zinc acts as an antiseptic (prevents microbe's growth) and astringent (contracts the skin cells) on the skin.
You are recommended to cover the treated area of the skin with bandages or dressings only if advised by your doctor. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.
No, Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin is not used to treat diaper rash. Using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin under the child’s nappy enables Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin to pass through the skin easily and cause adverse effects. However, please consult a doctor before using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin in children.
Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin should be used with caution in diabetic patients as Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin contains Betamethasone (corticosteroid). Generally, steroid medicines may increase blood sugar levels. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have diabetes before using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin.
No, Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin is not recommended to treat acne as it may worsen the condition. Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin is only used to reduce itching, swelling, and redness caused due to certain skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. However, please consult a doctor before using Zinc+betamethasone+gentamicin.
