Betamethasone
Molecule Description
Betamethasone is a steroid containing medicine used for the treatment of severe
inflammation caused by diseases such as allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. It may be essential for certain types of cancer (e.g., leukemia). Topical application is used in the treatment of itching in skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, allergies, etc.
Uses of Betamethasone
- Severe inflammation, e.g., arthritis and kidney disease
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Certain cancers (leukemia)
- Itching
- Inflammatory signs in skin complaints
Contraindications of Betamethasone
When should one not use Betamethasone
- Allergic to Betamethasone
- Pregnancy
- Severe fungal infections
- Diabetes mellitus
- Tuberculosis
- Vaccinations
Side effects of Betamethasone
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances and depression
- Restlessness
- Thinning of skin
- Dry skin, acne and hair loss
- Irregular periods
- Irregular heartbeats
- Muscle weakness
- Weight gain, swelling of face
- Signs of skin infection (swelling, redness)
- Bone pain
- Delay in growth in children
- Increased cholesterol in blood
- Redness (skin)
- Itching (skin)
- Rash (skin)
- Dryness (skin)
- Excessive hair (skin)
- Red marks (skin)
Precautions and Warnings of Betamethasone
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Betamethasone during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine may be unsafe in pregnancy, if you are already taking this medicine and happen to conceive, do not stop the medication on your own. Inform your doctor immediately as he/ she may substitute for a safer alternative.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Betamethasone while breastfeeding?
A:
For oral:
It is safe to use this medicine during breastfeeding. Inform your doctor as it is not advisable to take a high dose for an extended period during breastfeeding. Don't stop the medication on your own.
For topical application:
Use the least amount of cream or ointment on the smallest area of skin. Be careful and avoid contact of the baby with the skin areas where the cream or lotion is applied.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Betamethasone?
A:
It does not affect your driving skills.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Betamethasone?
A:
No known interaction with alcohol.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have a history of depression, mania, fits, diabetes, high blood pressure, eye problems, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis
- Take it regularly and do not miss any dose
- Do not stop the medication of Betamethasone abruptly. As this can be very dangerous, your doctor may reduce the dose gradually over a few weeks and then take you off this medicine if needed
- Do not suddenly stop taking Betamethasone medicine(oral tablet or capsule), unless your doctor tells you to. It can lead to serious health issues. Generally, steroids medicine’s dose is gradually lowered by the physician before you end the treatment...
Mode of Action of Betamethasone
How Does It Work?
Betamethasone is a steroid medicine. It decreases the action of chemicals in the body that cause swelling, pain and redness.
Interactions of Betamethasone
Interactions with other medicines
- Arthritis medications
- Aspirin, Cyclosporine
- Diuretics
- Antifungal like Itraconazole
- Antibiotics
- Live vaccines
- Oral contraceptive
Interactions with food items
No specific interactions with food has been reported yet.
Dietary Restrictions of Betamethasone
This medicine may increase the cholesterol level in the body. Follow the diet given by your doctor.
Dosage of Betamethasone
Overdose
If you take an overdose of medicine, seek emergency medical care immediately. The symptoms of overdose are stomach pain, vomiting, sleep disturbances, skin thinning, easy bruising, increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, etc....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Betamethasone to compensate for the missed dose....
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my physician before taking Betamethasone?
A: Inform the doctor about your detailed medical, surgical and allergy history and all your ongoing medications. Inform your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
Any skin infections
Diabetes
Liver or kidney disease
Thyroid disorder
High blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Mental illness
Recent vaccinations
Tuberculosis
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Topical medicine is available in the form of gel, lotion, ointment, solution, spray, foam, cream formulations
- One should apply a small quantity to affected areas twice a day. Be careful that the medicine should not enter the eyes, mouth etc.
- Do not cover the applied area, unless advised by the doctor
- It can also be tablets, capsules or an injection. Take as prescribed by a healthcare professional
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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