Generic Name:Diprolene,Betamethasone 0.05% 10g/0.12% 20g
Brand names Betnelan, Betnesol, Betnovate, Diprosone, Vista-Methasone
Used in the following combined preparations Betnesol-N, Betnovate-C, Betnovate-N, Diprosalic, Lotriderm, and others
GENERAL INFORMATION
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid drug used to treat a variety of conditions.
When injected directly into the joints it relieves joint inflammation and the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also given by mouth or injection to treat certain endocrine conditions affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands, and some blood disorders. It is also used topically to treat skin complaints, such as eczema and psoriasis.
When taken for short periods, low or moderate doses of betamethasone rarely cause serious side effects. High dosages or prolonged use can lead to symptoms such as peptic ulcers, weak bones, muscle weakness, and thin skin, and may retard growth in children.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking
with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, injection, cream, ointment, lotion, eye ointment, eye/ear/nose drops.
Frequency and timing of doses
Varies according to disorder being treated.
Dosage range
Varies; follow your doctor’s instructions.
Onset of effect
12-48 hours.
Duration of action
Up to 24 hours.
Diet advice
A low-sodium and high-potassium diet may be recommended when the oral form of the drug is prescribed for extended periods. Follow the advice of your doctor.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop tablets without consulting your doctor, who may supervise a gradual reduction in dosage. Abrupt cessation after long-term treatment may cause problems with the pituitary and adrenal gland system.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Serious adverse effects occur only when high doses are taken by mouth for long periods.
Topical preparations are unlikely to cause adverse effects unless overused.
INTERACTIONS
Insulin and oral antidiabetic agents
Betamethasone by mouth or injection may alter insulin requirements and response to oral antidiabetic agents.
Vaccines Serious reactions can occur when certain vaccinations are given during betamethasone treatment. Discuss with your doctor.
Antihypertensive drugs Betamethasone may reduce the effect of these drugs.
Anticonvulsants The effectiveness of betamethasone may be reduced by Phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, and phenobarbitone.
Pyridostigmine Betamethasone may reduce the efficacy of pyridostigmine and similar drugs used in myasthenia gravis.
Oral anticoagulants Betamethasone may alter the effects of these drugs.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Corticosteroid
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You suffer from a mental disorder.
You have a heart condition.
You have glaucoma.
You have high blood pressure.
You have a history of epilepsy.
You have had a peptic ulcer.
You have had tuberculosis.
You have any infection.
You have diabetes.
You are taking other medications.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or shingles if you are on systemic treatment.
Pregnancy
No evidence of risk with topical preparations. Taken as tablets in low doses, harm to the baby is unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
No evidence of risk with topical preparations. Taken by mouth, the drug passes into the breast milk, but in normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and 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.
No special problems with other dosage forms.
PROLONGED USE
Prolonged use of betamethasone by mouth can lead to peptic ulcers, thin skin, fragile bones, and muscle weakness, and can also retard growth in children.
