Betamethasone

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid with mainly glucocorticoid activity. It is indicated for suppression of inflammatory and allergic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid carditis, severe hypersensitivity reactions, bronchial asthma, inflammatory skin disorders, ear, eye, nose and oral ulceration, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Betamethasone binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals and promoting anti-inflammatory signals. It prevents and controls inflammation by controlling the rate of protein synthesis, depressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts, and reversing capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilisation.

Common side effects include reduction in bone density and upset stomach. Long-term use requires regular bone density monitoring.

• Inflammatory and allergic disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid carditis)
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions
• Bronchial asthma
• Inflammatory skin disorders
• Ear, eye, nose and oral ulceration
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid with mainly glucocorticoid activity. It binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals and promoting anti-inflammatory signals.

Betamethasone phosphate is rapidly hydrolyzed to betamethasone, giving it a short duration of action. Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are multiples of what the body naturally produces. Patients taking corticosteroids should be counselled regarding the risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.

Betamethasone binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals and promoting anti-inflammatory signals to control inflammation. It controls the rate of protein synthesis, depresses the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts, and reverses capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilisation.

Adults: 0.5-5 mg daily (depending on disease and severity)

• Short-term treatment: 2-3 mg daily for first few days, then reduce by 0.25-0.50 mg every 2-5 days based on response
• Rheumatoid arthritis: 0.5-2 mg daily (lowest effective dose for maintenance)

Children: Proportion of adult dose (75% at 12 years, 50% at 7 years, 25% at 1 year) or as directed by physician

Elderly: Start with lower doses and close clinical supervision required

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or crush. May be taken with or without food, but take at a fixed time. Avoid dietary sodium.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Do not stop suddenly.

• Reduction in bone density (Osteoporosis)
• Upset stomach
• Diabetes
• Muscle wasting
• Amenorrhea
• Weight gain
• Cushing's syndrome (moon face, striae, acne)
• Growth suppression in children

• May make it harder to fight off infections - notify your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever or sore throat
• Do not stop suddenly (risk of HPA axis suppression)
• Regular bone density monitoring required for long-term use
• Caution in patients with recent MI, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, hypertension, CHF, diabetes, TB, glaucoma, liver/renal disease, epilepsy, peptic ulcer
• Caution during pregnancy

• Hypersensitivity to betamethasone or any component
• Systemic fungal infections
• Acute infections (without specific anti-infective therapy)

• Thiazide diuretics: Increased hyperglycemia and hypokalemia
• NSAIDs: Increased risk of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
• Anticoagulants: Altered response
• Antidiabetics and antihypertensives: Dose may need to be increased
• Carbamazepine, phenytoin, barbiturates, rifampicin: Decreased corticosteroid efficacy
• Estrogens or oral contraceptives: Enhanced corticosteroid effect

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Betamethasone. Alcohol may increase stomach problems and other side effects.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Betamethasone may be unsafe during pregnancy (Category C). Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Use only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Betamethasone is excreted in breast milk. Limited human data suggests the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. However, caution is advised.

Pediatric dose: Proportion of adult dose (75% at 12 years, 50% at 7 years, 25% at 1 year). Corticosteroids may cause growth suppression in children.

Elderly patients: Common adverse effects of corticosteroids may be more serious. Close clinical supervision is required.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment may not be needed, but regular kidney function monitoring is advised.

Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available. Consult your doctor.

Overdose may cause Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte imbalance. Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.

Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Betamethasone (C₂₂H₂₉FO₅)