৳ 1/unit
Pack: ৳ 10
৳ 1/unit
Pack: ৳ 10
At a glance
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used for the treatment of inflammation, severe allergies, and various medical conditions. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Indications
- 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
Pharmacology
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.
Dosage
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
Side effects
- Reduction in bone density (Osteoporosis)
- Upset stomach
- Diabetes
- Muscle wasting
- Amenorrhea
- Weight gain
- Cushing's syndrome (moon face, striae, acne)
- Growth suppression in children
Use in pregnancy
[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.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- 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
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte imbalance. Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.