Betamethasone dipropionate in optimized vehicle. Intermittent pulse dosing for extended maintenance treatment of psoriasis.

A study was done of extended maintenance therapy using either betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene) in optimized vehicle (OV) (ointment) or placebo in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Of 59 patients originally enrolled in the study, 38 assessable patients achieved clearing of at least 85% improvement from baseline with traditional betamethasone in OV twice a day for two to three weeks before intermittent pulse dosing was attempted. Thereafter, the test medication was used on weekends (three consecutive doses at 12-hour intervals) once a week. Fourteen patients (74%) of the betamethasone in OV group and four patients (21%) of the placebo group maintained a remission status for 12 weeks. Intermittent pulse dosing with betamethasone in OV seems safe and efficacious maintenance therapy in selected psoriatic patients.