Pharmacological evaluation of a new topical preparation containing dextran sulphate and betamethasone 17-valerate

The antiinflammatory activity of a topical preparation containing dextran sulphate and betamethasone 17-valerate was studied in comparison with that of the single active principles. In the rat carrageenan paw edema test, where compounds were applied topically as cream formulations, dextran sulphate alone was inactive but it greatly improved the antiinflammatory activity of betamethasone 17-valerate. The reported data indicate that dextran sulphate and betamethasone 17-valerate act synergistically in reducing the paw volume. Moreover, the drug combination administered s.c. demonstrated a statistically significant interaction, when compared with the single active principles, in reducing increased vascular permeability in the rat. The results are briefly discussed in relation to published clinical data.