Diprogenta: What Is It And What Is It For?

Diprogenta is the name of a drug that is made up of the combination of betamethasone dipropionate and gentamicin sulfate. It is used to treat skin inflammations that are also accompanied by infections. It comes in the form of a cream, so its use is exclusively topical, that is, externally.

What is Diprogenta?

Diprogenta is a drug that 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 produce vasoconstrictor action and their immunosuppressive properties reduce the response to hypersensitivity reactions.

In this way, they lead to remission of symptoms such as erythema, edema, and exudation. They also relieve the discomfort of itching, burning sensation and pain. The anti-inflammatory effects are the result of the inhibition of the formation, release and activity of inflammatory mediators.

On the other hand, gentamicin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with a bactericidal effect, which acts by inhibiting the protein synthesis of the bacteria. Gentamicin is active, in general, against many gram-negative and some gram-positive aerobic bacteria.

Diprogenta acts relatively quickly and its effects last over time. For this reason, it can be applied once or twice a day, in a thin layer on the area to be treated.

Indications of Diprogenta

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

These dermatoses include:

• Solar.
• Eczema.
• Psoriasis.
• Dyshidrosis
• Exfoliative.
• Lichen planus.
• Neurodermatitis.
• Contact dermatitis.
• Atopic and seborrheic dermatitis.

As we have said, this drug 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 principle is prolonged, important side effects can be generated.

Possible side effects of Diprogenta

Side effects that can appear as a result of long-term use of this medicine and treating very large areas of the body are:

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

Other more serious side effects would include alterations not only in the skin but also in other systems and even in the development process in minors. In addition, tolerance to gentamicin can also occur, which would facilitate subsequent infections resistant to this antibiotic.

In children, this drug has more aggressive reactions that can delay normal growth. This is the reason why this drug should not be used in children under 12 years of age.

Precautions and contraindications

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

People allergic to the components of this drug should not use it. Likewise, it should not be used for viral or fungal infections, or in cases of syphilis, tuberculosis, oral, eye or genital inflammations.

It is not advisable to use this medicine in large areas, in areas covered with bandages or in areas of the skin with many folds. The areas with folds are suitable for the growth of bacteria and fungi, which could develop resistance.

In cases of psoriasis accompanied by infections, the indication of this drug should be done under medical supervision and be closely controlled. 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 diagnosis by the dermatologist.

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