Other Brands/Names

Alerson, Bdm, Bechlor, Benoson, Betaflam, Betagentam, Betam-Opthal, Celestamine, Celestik, Celestone, Colergis, Zestam, Proceles, Ocuson, Meclovel, Gratamin, Gentason B, Genbeta, Garasone, Exabetin, Durocort, Cortamine.

How It Works

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid classified as an anti-inflammatory medicine. It reduces inflammation by limiting the release of inflammatory mediators in the body, thereby helping to ease symptoms.

Indications

Betamethasone is commonly used for inflammatory conditions related to:

• Allergic reactions

• Joint inflammation

• Autoimmune disorders (when immune cells fail to distinguish foreign substances from the body’s own cells and attack self-tissues)

• Asthma

• Inflammation of the eyes or ears

• Skin disorders

Contraindication

Do not use betamethasone in:

• Untreated systemic infections (bloodstream infections affecting the whole body)

• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the skin or eyes

• Glaucoma or conjunctival redness of unknown cause

• Concomitant administration with live, attenuated vaccines

• Children under one year of age

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to betamethasone

Side Effects

Side effects are generally uncommon, but may include:

• Prominent eye symptoms: blurred vision, increased intraocular pressure

• Insomnia

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Digestive complaints: bloating, nausea, vomiting, weight gain

• Weakness

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Acne

• Nasal irritation

• Menstrual disorders, etc.

Types

Available preparations include:

• 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg tablets

• Syrup

• 0.1%/5 mg and 0.1 mg/1 g cream

• 1 mg/mL eye drops

• Ear drops

Dosage

For Joint Inflammation

Adults: Take 0.5–2 mg as tablets or syrup once daily.

For Inflammatory or Allergic Nasal Disorders

Adults: Instill 2–3 drops in each nostril twice daily, and discontinue if there is no improvement within 7 days.

For Ocular Inflammatory Or Allergic Disorders

Adults: Instill 1–2 drops into the affected eye every 2 hours, then reduce frequency as symptoms improve.

Safety

Pregnancy:

FDA Category C (animal studies show fetal risk, and adequate, well-controlled human data are lacking). Use only after weighing potential benefits against possible risks; exercise caution in pregnant women.

Drug Interactions

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Using betamethasone together with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or mefenamic acid may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Concomitant use of these medicines should be supervised by a physician to help prevent adverse events.

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