What is Betamethasone for ?

It is a potent glucocorticoid. It is used to ease allergy signs. It is used to treat Addisons disease. It is used to treat arthritis. It is used to treat asthma. It is used to treat brain swelling. It is used to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is used to treat swelling in parts of the body. It is used to treat leukemia. It is used to treat lymphoma. It is used to treat organ transplant. It is used to treat sarcoidosis. It is used to treat skin rashes. It is used to treat spinal cord injuries. It is used to treat ulcerative colitis. It is used to help mature the babys lungs. It is given to pregnant women who may deliver early.

How does Betamethasone work ?

Betamethasone replaces a chemical made in the body. It lowers or stops the bodys reaction to the allergen. It stops or lowers irritation and swelling. It lowers the bodys harmful response to diseases of the immune system. In pregnant women, it helps make the babys lungs stronger.

How should Betamethasone be used ?

Take Betamethasone exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. - If you are taking Betamethasone for a prolonged period of time, it is important that you do not stop it suddenly. - Your doctor will advise you about reducing the dosing gradually. - Take Betamethasone with food or after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Common side effects of Betamethasone ?

Oral: High blood sugar. This most often goes back to normal when drug is stopped. Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Belly pain. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Weight gain. Change in body fat. Weak bones with long-term use. Muscle weakness. Mood changes. Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth). Cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use. For women, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge. - Skin: - Skin irritation.

What do I do if I miss a dose ?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. - If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. - Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking Betamethasone ?

Alert your doctor if you have any of these conditions: - heart, liver, kidney or thyroid disease. - diabetes. - gastric problems, especially ulcers or blockages. - myasthenia gravis. - epilepsy (seizures or fits). - fungal infection, chicken pox or herpes infection. - depression or other mood. -disorders. - recent heart attack. Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while being treated with Betamethasone. Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while being treated with Betamethasone.

When do I need to seek medical help ?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Feeling very tired, weak, or touchy; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this drug. Trouble breathing. Very upset stomach or throwing up. A big weight gain. Very bad skin irritation. Sudden change in eyesight. If you have been exposed to chickenpox and have not had chickenpox or had a chickenpox vaccine. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Betamethasone with other medicines ?

Alert your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here: - antifungals such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin B. - antibiotics. - diabetes medicines. - heart or blood pressure pills such as digoxin, verapamil, diltiazem. - ciclosporin. - birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy containing oestrogen. - TB medicine such as rifampicin. - phenytoin (epilepsy medicine) - painkillers such as naproxen, mefenamic acid, aspirin. - blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Are there any food restrictions ?

Avoid alcohol.

How do I store Betamethasone ?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category ?

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification ?

Antiasthmatic & COPD Preparations , Corticosteroid Hormones.