Comparative studies of augmented betamethasone dipropionate lotion 0.05 percent and clobetasol propionate solution 0.05 percent correlation of the vasoconstriction assay and clinical activity in scalp psoriasis

The results of a study using a vasoconstriction assay methodology to evaluate potential efficacy showed augmented betamethasone dipropionate lotion 0.05% (Diprolene) to be significantly (p < 0.01) more potent than clobetasol propionate solution 0.05% (Dermovate). Both agents were applied once daily to similar symmetrical lesions in a 3-week, randomized, double-blind, bilateral-paired comparison study conducted in 55 patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. Augmented betamethasone dipropionate and clobetasol propionate were both highly effective, and little difference was noted in lesion response. For those patients whose lesions responded differently to the two treatments, augmented betamethasone dipropionate was generally superior. Patient evaluations of overall effectiveness and cosmetic acceptability also favored augmented beta-methasone dipropionate. Both treatments were well tolerated.