Betamethasone

Description

Betamethasone is a steroid medicine used to treat severe inflammation caused by

conditions such as allergies, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used for certain types of cancer (e.g., leukemia). Topical application is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and allergies. Betamethasone works by calming down your body's immune system. It reduces the release of natural chemicals that cause inflammation. It comes in different forms to treat different parts of the body: Topical (Creams, Ointments, Lotions): Applied directly to the skin to treat local skin inflammation. Oral (Tablets): Taken by mouth for more widespread inflammation inside the body. Injection: Given by a healthcare professional for very localized or severe, systemic problems. Use Betamethasone exactly as your doctor prescribes to minimize potential side effects.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses

Severe inflammation, e.g., arthritis and kidney disease
Allergies
Asthma
Rheumatoid arthritis
Certain cancers (leukemia)
Itching
Inflammatory signs in skin complaints

Contraindications

When should one not use Betamethasone

Allergic to Betamethasone
Pregnancy
Severe fungal infections
Diabetes mellitus
Tuberculosis
Vaccinations

Side effects

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

Pregnancy

Can I take Betamethasone during pregnancy?

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

Can I take Betamethasone while breastfeeding?

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

Can I drive if I have consumed Betamethasone?

It does not affect your driving skills.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Betamethasone?

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 lowe...
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Mode of Action

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

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

This medicine may increase the cholesterol level in the body. Follow the diet given by your doctor.

Dosage

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 f...

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 compe...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

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

Q: What is Betamethasone typically prescribed for?

It is mainly prescribed to relieve inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching caused by conditions like eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, severe allergies, and certain autoimmune diseases. The specifi...
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Q: Is it safe to stop taking oral Betamethasone suddenly?

No, you should never stop taking oral Betamethasone suddenly, especially if you have been taking it for more than a few days. Your body needs time to adjust. Abruptly stopping can cause withdrawal sym...
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References

Last Updated on: 31 Oct 2025 | 12:25 AM (IST)

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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.