Presentation:
Vipsogal Ointment is presented in a 100g tube containing the following: - Betamethasone dipropionate 17.5mg - Fluocinonide 17.5mg - Gentamicin Sulphate 35.000I.U. - Salicylic acid 5.- Panthenol O.5g.

Uses:
Vipsogal Ointment is a compounded preparation indicated in the topical treatment of chronic dysplastic dermatitis, psoriasis and psoriatic dermatitis. The synthetic steroids betamethasone dipropionate and fluocinonide contribute the anti-inflammatory, anti-pruriginous, anti-exudative and anti-allergic effect of the preparation. Salicylic acid acts as a keratolytic facilitating the removal of keratinous layers from the affected skin to enable tt1e preparation to penetrate the affected tissue. Salicylic acid also exhibits epidermiplastic and some antiseptic effects. Gentamicin sulphate is a broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic. Its wide range and degree of activity make it particularly suitable for bacterial skin infections where the pathogens involved or their sensitivity to antibiotics are unknown. The overall therapeutic effect of Vipsogal Ointment is aided by its fatty base with its occlusive and hydrating action which facilitates the desquamation of parakeratotic and hyperkeratotic layers.

Dosage and Administration:
A small quantity of Vipsogal. Ointment should be applied to the affected areas morning and evening for seven days. If no redness occurs it may then be applied more liberally twice daily. Application should be by gentle rubbing into the skin. An occlusive technique should not be used as Vipsogal itself has occlusive properties. The duration of treatment is dependent upon the achieved results but should not exceed 25 days at which time the treatment should be reviewed. The interval between any two treatments should be between 14 and 21 days.

Contra-indications, warnings etc:
Rosacea, acne, perianal and genital pruritis and peri-oral dermatitis. As with all preparations containing topical steroids, Vipsogal Ointment is contra-indicated in tuberculous, syphilitic, fungal and most viral infections of the skin particularly herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella. Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of Vipsogal Ointment contra-indicates its use. Prolonged use of preparations containing topical antibiotics may give rise to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. If this occurs, appropriate therapy is indicated.

Warnings:
Occlusion must not be used since under these circumstances the keratolytic action of the salicylic acid may lead to enhanced absorption of the steroids. Long continued use on large areas or damaged skin can result in local and systemic toxicity. If used on children or on the face. Courses should be limited to five days. Long-term continuous therapy should be avoided in all patients irrespective of age. Topical steroids must never be used continuously as a prophylactic measure. Sudden withdrawal of prolonged therapy can produce rebound exacerbation of a condition. Rebound relapses following development of tolerance and local systemic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin can also arise. Careful patient supervision is important. It is dangerous if Vipsogal Ointment comes in contact with the eyes. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development including cleft palate and intra-uterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk at such effects in the human fetus. The systemic absorption of betamethasone dipropionate, fluocinonide and salicylic acid may be increased if extensive body surface areas or skin folds are treated for prolonged periods or with excessive amounts of the ointment. Suitable precautions should be taken in these circumstances, particular1y with infants and children.

Side effects:
Vipsogal Ointment is generally wel1 tolerated and side effects are rare. Continuous application without interruption may result in local atrophy of the skin striae and superficial vascular dilatation, particularly on the face. In addition prolonged use of salicylic acid preparations may cause dermatitis.

Over Dosage:
Excessive prolonged use of topical steroids can suppress pituitary-adrenal functions resulting in secondary adrenal insufficiency which is usually reversible. In such cases appropriate symptomatic treatment is indicated. With topical preparations containing salicylic acid excessive prolonged use may result in symptoms of salicylism. Treatment is symptomatic. The steroid and salicylic acid content of each tube of Vipsogal Ointment is so low as to have little or no toxic effect in the unlikely event of accidental oral ingestion. Pharmaceutical precautions Vipsogal Ointment should be stored in the original tube at room temperature:

Package Quantities:
Vipsogal Ointment is supplied on tubes of 100g.

The above information is the translation of the manufacturer's insert. It is provided under the supplying company's terms and conditions and should not replace the advice of your personal physician.