OBJECTIVES: To conduct comparative pharmacoeconomic analysis of Methylprednisolone aceponate (MA) and Betamethasone valerate (BV, brand name drug) for treatment of atopic dermatitis and eczema in adults.  METHODS: Review of the published studies has been conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of studied drugs. The cost-minimization analysis was used further. The pharmaceutical costs were calculated on the basis of average wholesale  prices (according to RMBC/IMS database for the 3d quarter of 2010) and average retail prices  in Moscow drugstores on 15.12.2010. The dosing regimen for both drugs was 1 g per 30 cm2 for 10 days, MA once a day, BV twice daily. RESULTS: A review of clinical efficacy and safety of topical corticosteroids studies has not revealed significant differences between MA and BV, though the experts consider MA to have more favorable therapeutic index (combination of high anti-inflammatory activity with reliable safety profile) compared to BV.  With the retail price the costs of atopic dermatitis and eczema treatment were almost equal for MA and brand name drug of BV: MA cream - 257,85 ± 19,83 RUB (9,15 ± 0,70 $), BV cream - 265,61 ± 33,34 RUB (9,43 ± 1,18 $),  MA ointment- 257,85 ± 19,83 RUB (9,15 ± 0,70 $), BV ointment - 265,61 ± 33,34 RUB (9,43 ± 1,18 $). CONCLUSIONS: Costs of MA and brand name BV for treating atopic dermatitis and eczema in adults are identical in both retail and wholesale market segments. Thus MA may be considered as a preferable option being a medication with the better therapeutic index compared to BV.