Take Betamethasone exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Betamethasone is generally available in market in the form of Ointment, cream, tablet, injection. May be given IM or IV in acute dystonic reaction. However, because onset and efficacy are equivalent for IM and IV route, IV administration is usually unnecessary. If patient has difficulty swallowing, tablet may be crushed.



Dosage Instructions for Betamethasone Drug

Systemic treatment of primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency, rheumatic disorders, collagen diseases, dermatologic diseases, allergic states, allergic and inflammatory ophthalmic processes, respiratory diseases, hematologic disorders, neoplastic diseases, edematous states (resulting from nephrotic syndrome), GI diseases, multiple sclerosis, tuberculous meningitis and trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement.

Topical: Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Contraindications of Betamethasone

Systemic fungal infections; IM use in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; administration of live virus vaccines when patient is receiving immunosuppressive doses.

Topical: Do not use as monotherapy in primary bacterial infections. Do not use on face, groin, or axilla or for ophthalmic treatments.

Interaction of Betamethasone

Anticholinesterases: May antagonize anticholinesterase effects in myasthenia gravis.

Anticoagulants, oral: May alter anticoagulant dose requirements.

Barbiturates: May decrease pharmacologic effect of betamethasone.

Hydantoins: May increase clearance and decrease therapeutic efficacy of betamethasone. Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, tubocurarine). May potentiate or counteract neuromuscular blocking action.

Rifampin: May increase clearance and decrease therapeutic efficacy of betamethasone.

Salicylates: May reduce serum levels and efficacy of salicylates.

Troleandomycin: May increase effects of betamethasone.

What are the Side Effects of Betamethasone -

Like other medicines, Betamethasone can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Betamethasone include

* Thromboembolism or fat embolism; thrombophlebitis; necrotizing angiitis; cardiac arrhythmias or ECG changes; syncopal episodes; hypertension; myocardial rupture

* Convulsions; increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri); vertigo; headache; neuritis/paresthesias; psychosis; fatigue; insomnia.

* Impaired wound healing; thin, fragile skin; petechiae and ecchymoses; erythema; lupus erythematosus-like lesions; suppression of skin test reactions; SC fat atrophy; purpura; striae; hirsutism; acneiform eruptions; allergic dermatitis; urticaria; angioneurotic edema; perineal irritation; hyperpigmentation; hypopigmentation. Topical application may cause burning; itching; irritation; erythema; dryness; folliculitis; hypertrichosis; pruritus; perioral dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; numbness of fingers; stinging and cracking/tightening of skin; maceration of skin; secondary infections; skin atrophy; striae; miliaria; telangiectasia.

* Posterior subcapsular cataracts; increased IOP, glaucoma; exophthalmos.

* Pancreatitis; abdominal distension; ulcerative esophagitis; nausea; vomiting; increased appetite and weight gain; peptic ulcer with perforation and hemorrhage; small and large bowel perforation.

* Musculoskeletal (eg, weakness; myopathy; tendon rupture; osteoporosis; aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads; spontaneous fractures, including vertebral compression fractures and pathologic fracture of long bones); hypersensitivity, including anaphylactic reactions; aggravation or masking of infections; malaise. Topical use may produce same adverse reactions seen with systemic use.

Warnings and precautions before taking Betamethasone :

* Tell patient before using Betamethasone to take with meals or snacks to avoid nausea.

* Explain that medication should be taken before 9 am for best results.

* When multiple doses are to be taken, show patient how to space them evenly throughout day.

* If patient has diabetes, discuss importance of closely monitoring blood glucose for possible increase in insulin dosage.

* If patient is receiving long-term therapy, tell patient to carry identification containing notification of steroid therapy.

* Tell patient before using Betamethasone not to stop taking medication suddenly.

* Instruct patient before using Betamethasone to report the following symptoms to health care provider: unusual weight gain or weight loss; swelling of lower extremities; muscle weakness; black tarry stools; vomiting blood; puffing face; prolonged sore throat, fever, or cold; anorexia; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; weakness; dizziness.

What if Overdose of Betamethasone ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Betamethasone , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Fever, myalgia, arthralgia, malaise, anorexia, nausea, skin desquamation, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fainting, dyspnea, hypoglycemia (acute overdosage); cushingoid changes, moonface, central obesity, striae, hirsutism, acne, ecchymoses, hypertension, osteoporosis, myopathy, sexual dysfunction, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, infarction, electrolyte and fluid imbalance (chronic overdosage) are may be the overdose symptoms of Betamethasone .

What if Missed Dose of Betamethasone ?

If you miss a dose of Betamethasone medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Betamethasone :

Store Betamethasone at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Store Betamethasone in a dry place in tightly closed, light-resistant container.

By: ashu