Diprolene: AF vs Augmented vs Regular - What does this mean?
Topical skin preparations, such as Diprolene, which are described as AF, Augmented, or regular, have differences in the way they are formulated that affect how easily the active ingredient of Diprolene (which is betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%) penetrates the skin or is absorbed. All Diprolene formulations are augmented, which means they have propylene glycol added to their base which helps the formulation penetrate the skin faster, and allows it to be absorbed more quickly. Diprolene AF is a cream that has been discontinued in the US, but generic forms of this “augmented” betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05% are available. AF stands for “augmented formulation”. There are also augmented forms of betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% that do not contain “AF” in the brand name, such as regular Diprolene, which is an ointment.
Augmented preparations (which are formulations that have propylene glycol or a different penetration enhancer added to them) are more potent than regular (unaugmented) betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% formulations.
References
- Katz HI, Lindholm JS, Weiss JS, Shavin JS, Morman M, Bressinck R, Cornell R, Pariser DM, Pariser RJ, Weng W, et al. Efficacy and safety of twice-daily augmented betamethasone dipropionate lotion versus clobetasol propionate solution in patients with moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis. Clin Ther. 1995 May-Jun;17(3):390-401. doi: 10.1016/0149-2918(95)80104-9. PMID: 7585843.
- Diprolene (betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%) Updated 06/2021. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. https://www.drugs.com/pro/diprolene-af.html#s-34069-5
Read next
Is betamethasone the same as hydrocortisone?
Betamethasone is not the same as hydrocortisone, but both medications are corticosteroids (steroids, for short). Continue reading
Can I use betamethasone cream on my face?
Some lower strength forms of betamethasone cream may be appropriate to use on the face for conditions such as dermatitis, but should only be used if recommended by your doctor. Very high, high, and mid potency creams should not be used on the face due to the risk of side effects like skin thinning, visible broken capillaries (telangiectasia), and striae (lines on the face). Continue reading
What is Diprospan used for?
Diprospan is a combination steroid injection containing two salts of betamethasone (betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone sodium phosphate) that may be used to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions that are typically responsive to corticosteroids. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Dupixent
Dupixent is used to treat eczema, eosinophilic or oral-corticosteroid-dependent asthma, chronic ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Depakote
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Learn about side effects ...
Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent seizures in adults and children and to prevent migraine ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Timolol
Timolol is used for angina, heart attack, high blood pressure, migraine, migraine prevention
Valproic acid
Valproic acid is used for bipolar disorder, cluster-tic syndrome, epilepsy, headache ...
Divalproex sodium
Divalproex sodium is used for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, cyclothymic ...
Related medical questions
- What is Ardosons called in the U.S?
- Can betamethasone be used for a yeast infection?
- How long does it take for betamethasone to work?
- How long can you use betamethasone cream for?
- Is betamethasone an antifungal?
- Can Enstilar be used on the scalp?
- How often should you apply betamethasone cream?
- Does Luxiq Foam help with hair loss?
- Is Enstilar Foam used to treat plaque psoriasis?
- What does augmented mean in betamethasone?
- Can you buy Luxiq foam over-the-counter (OTC)?
- How do you use Luxiq Foam?
- Where should I avoid using betamethasone?
- What skin conditions can betamethasone be used for?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- How do OTC products compare to betamethasone topical?
- Can Diprolene cream be used for poison ivy?
- Is Diprolene available over-the-counter (OTC)?
- How should I apply Diprolene cream?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Betamethasone (34 questions, 28 members)
- Diprolene (5 questions, 6 members)
- Atopic Dermatitis (47 questions, 55 members)
- Contact Dermatitis (38 questions, 34 members)
- Dermatitis (38 questions, 59 members)
- Dermatological Disorders (36 questions, 54 members)
- Lichen Sclerosus (15 questions, 53 members)
- Lichen Planus (15 questions, 77 members)