Details

Betamethasone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Betamethasone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Betamethasone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders. Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Typical Uses

Betamethasone is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies and rash). Betamethasone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a strong corticosteroid. Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication. Remember to clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 1-2 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects of betamethasone include red rash and inflamed skin, red rash and inflamed skin burning, itching, or dryness of the skin, red bumps around the mouth, extremely thick hair growth on unusual areas of the body, skin lightening or loss of natural skin colour, thinning of the skin and stretch marks.

Drug Interactions

• Betamethasone+adalimumab- Using adalimumab together with betamethasone may increase the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Betamethasone+bupropion- Bupropion may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as betamethasone may increase that risk. The interaction may be more likely if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumour or head trauma.

• Betamethasone+ciprofloxacin- Using ciprofloxacin together with betamethasone can increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This may be more likely to occur in older adults over 60 years of age or those who have received a kidney, heart or lung transplant. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after finishing ciprofloxacin treatment and may require surgery or result in prolonged disability.

• Betamethasone+enoxacin- Using enoxacin together with betamethasone can increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. This may be more likely to occur in older adults over 60 years of age or those who have received a kidney, heart or lung transplant. Tendon rupture can occur during or up to several months after finishing enoxacin treatment and may require surgery or result in prolonged disability.

Mechanism of action

Betamethasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids which have anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressing activity. It prevents late phase allergic reactions by decreasing the chemicals responsible for the allergy.

Pregnancy Category : C