1. Disclaimer
The information provided in this report is intended for educational and professional informational purposes only and does not replace official prescribing information, clinical judgment, or individualized patient care. Diprofos is a prescription-only medicine and must be used under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. By using this blog, you agree to assume personal responsibility for relying on the information provided.
2. Summary
Diprofos is a long-acting injectable corticosteroid suspension containing two ester forms of betamethasone that provide both rapid onset and prolonged anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive effects. It is indicated for a wide range of systemic and localized inflammatory, allergic, rheumatic, and dermatological conditions where parenteral corticosteroid therapy is appropriate.
3. Brand Name
Diprofos® (Also marketed in some regions under closely related trade names)
4. Category
- Systemic Corticosteroid
- Synthetic Glucocorticoid
5. Active Ingredient
- Betamethasone sodium phosphate (rapid-acting, water-soluble ester)
- Betamethasone dipropionate (poorly soluble ester providing sustained release)
Total betamethasone equivalents: 7 mg per 1 mL
6. Pharmaceutical Form & Strength
- Form: Sterile aqueous suspension for injection
- Strength per 1 mL:
- Betamethasone sodium phosphate 2 mg (equivalent)
- Betamethasone dipropionate 5 mg (equivalent)
- Presentation: 1 mL or 2 mL ampoules (pack sizes vary by market)
7. Manufacturer & Marketing Authorization Holder
- Original Developer: Schering-Plough (now part of Merck & Co. / MSD / Organon)
- Current Marketing Authorization Holders: Vary by country (e.g., Organon and licensed local manufacturers such as SEDICO in certain regions)
8. Mechanism of Action
Betamethasone binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, leading to modulation of gene transcription. This results in:
- Inhibition of phospholipase A₂ and arachidonic acid derivatives
- Suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α)
- Reduced capillary permeability and leukocyte migration
- Immunosuppressive and anti-allergic effects
The sodium phosphate ester provides rapid systemic action, while the dipropionate ester forms a depot at the injection site, ensuring prolonged therapeutic activity.
9. Spectrum of Activity
Not applicable in the antimicrobial sense.
Diprofos exhibits:
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- Immunosuppressive activity
- Anti-allergic effects
- Anti-proliferative effects on fibroblasts and collagen synthesis
10. Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapid absorption of betamethasone sodium phosphate; slow, sustained absorption of dipropionate ester
- Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses the placenta and may appear in breast milk
- Protein Binding: Approximately 60–70%
- Metabolism: Hepatic (primarily via CYP3A4)
- Elimination: Mainly renal as inactive metabolites
- Duration of Action: 1–3 weeks depending on dose, route, and injection site
11. Indications
Diprofos is indicated for corticosteroid-responsive conditions, including:
Systemic use (IM):
- Severe allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies
- Collagen vascular diseases (e.g., SLE, dermatomyositis)
- Severe dermatologic diseases
Local use:
- Intra-articular and periarticular inflammatory conditions
- Bursitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis
- Intralesional treatment of keloids, alopecia areata, hypertrophic scars
12. Administration
- Routes: Intramuscular, intra-articular, periarticular, intrabursal, intradermal, intralesional
- Not for intravenous or subcutaneous use
- Dosage and frequency must be individualized according to disease severity and patient response
13. Method of Preparation
- Ready-to-use suspension
- Shake the ampoule thoroughly before use to ensure uniformity
- Use strict aseptic technique
- Do not mix with other injectable drugs unless compatibility is confirmed
14. Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to betamethasone or excipients
- Systemic fungal infections
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (IM route)
- Injection into infected or unstable joints
- Neonates and premature infants (due to benzyl alcohol content, where applicable)
15. Warnings & Precautions
- Risk of adrenal suppression with repeated or prolonged use
- Increased susceptibility to infections and masking of symptoms
- Caution in diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer disease, glaucoma, and psychiatric disorders
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation after prolonged therapy
- Live vaccines should generally be avoided during immunosuppressive dosing
16. Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin): reduced efficacy
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): increased corticosteroid exposure
- NSAIDs: increased risk of GI bleeding
- Antidiabetics: reduced glycemic control
- Potassium-depleting diuretics: increased risk of hypokalemia
17. Side Effects
Possible adverse effects (dose- and duration-dependent):
- Endocrine: Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression
- Metabolic: Hyperglycemia, weight gain
- Musculoskeletal: Osteoporosis, muscle weakness
- Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulcer, GI bleeding
- Neuropsychiatric: Mood changes, insomnia, psychosis
- Local: Injection site pain, atrophy, hypopigmentation
18. Use in Special Populations
- Pregnancy: Use only if benefit outweighs risk
- Lactation: Caution; monitor infant if prolonged or high-dose therapy
- Pediatrics: Risk of growth suppression; monitor closely
- Elderly: Higher risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, and hypertension
19. Storage Conditions
- Store below 25°C
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Keep out of reach of children
20. Additional Sections
Clinical Considerations:
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Repeated local injections should be spaced adequately to minimize tissue damage.
21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Diprofos an antibiotic? No. It is a corticosteroid with no antimicrobial activity.
How fast does Diprofos work? Relief may begin within hours, with prolonged effects lasting up to several weeks.
Can Diprofos be given intravenously? No. Intravenous administration is contraindicated.
22. References
- Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – Diprofos Injection
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
- WHO and FDA guidance on systemic corticosteroids