Betamethasone

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:  

Adco-Betamethasone (cream), Betanoid (syrup/tabs) Betnesol (nose/ear drops), Betnovate (cream/ointment/scalp solution), Celestone soluspan (injection), Decasone (injection), Diprosone (cream/ointment), Persivate (cream/ointment)

Popular combinations:

Betnesol-N (nose/ear/eye drops), Celestamine (tabs/syrup), Diprosalic (ointment/lotion), Fucibet (anti-bacterial cream), Lotriderm (anti-fungal cream), Quadriderm (anti-bacterial/anti-fungal cream)

Drug group:

Corticosteroid

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid drug used to treat a variety of conditions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis - injected into joints to reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness
• Certain endocrine conditions affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands
• Some blood disorders
• Eczema and psoriasis

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need.

• Route of administration and frequency of doses varies according to disorder being treated

How quickly will it start to work?

Injection within 30 minutes, other forms within 48 hours

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours

When should I stop using it?

Discuss with your doctor. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage, abrupt cessation after long-term treatment may cause problems with the pituitary/adrenal glands.

Is it safe for prolonged use? 

Used with caution. Prolonged use of tablets can lead to peptic ulcers, glaucoma, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and growth retardation (in children).

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• Oral preparations: indigestion, weight gain, acne, muscle weakness, mood changes
• Topical preparations: skin thinning (with prolonged use)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: bloody/tarry faeces

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, psychiatric disorders, glaucoma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, peptic ulcer, tuberculosis or other infections, diabetes
• Other medicines: Insulin, antidiabetic drugs, oral anticoagulants, some antifungal drugs, antihypertensives, drugs for myasthenia gravis, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, vaccines
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Topical and low dose oral betamethasone - probably safe
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: Keep consumption low. Betamethasone tablets increase the risk of peptic ulcers
• Infection Avoid exposure to chickenpox/shingles /measles while taking betamethasone tablets