Betamethasone

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions that respond to topical corticosteroids, such as eczema, dermatitis, and allergic skin inflammation.
• Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eye when infection has been excluded by a doctor.
• Inflammatory conditions of the external ear or nasal passages when a corticosteroid is considered appropriate by a doctor.

Use only as directed by the prescribing doctor. For skin preparations, a thin layer is usually applied to the affected area for the shortest effective duration. For eye, ear, or nasal drops, the number of drops and frequency depend on the condition and severity; follow the prescription label carefully. Do not stop or extend treatment without medical advice.

• Common local effects: burning, stinging, itching, dryness, irritation, or redness at the application site.
• Skin use may cause thinning of skin, stretch marks, acne-like eruptions, changes in skin colour, excessive hair growth, or worsening of infection, especially with prolonged use or occlusion.
• Eye use may cause temporary blurred vision, eye irritation, increased eye pressure, glaucoma, cataract, delayed healing, or worsening of eye infection.
• Ear or nasal use may cause local irritation, dryness, or discomfort.
• Rarely, significant absorption can cause systemic corticosteroid effects, especially in children, with large areas, broken skin, prolonged use, or occlusive dressings.

Use with caution on the face, groin, armpits, broken skin, large body areas, or under airtight dressings. Children, older adults, people with diabetes, glaucoma, cataract, or a history of recurrent infections need extra care. Eye preparations should be used only after proper eye examination, and prolonged use may require monitoring of eye pressure. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• Other topical medicines on the same area may increase irritation or alter absorption; separate use as advised.
• Other eye drops or ointments should usually be spaced apart to avoid dilution; follow the doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.
• Ophthalmic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of delayed corneal healing when used with steroid eye drops.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir or cobicistat may increase systemic corticosteroid exposure if betamethasone is absorbed significantly, especially with prolonged or extensive use.
• No important food interaction is expected with usual local use.

• Known allergy to betamethasone, other corticosteroids, or any ingredient of the product.
• Untreated bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infection at the application site.
• Herpes simplex eye infection, vaccinia, varicella, or other viral eye diseases unless specifically managed by an eye specialist.
• Use in the ear when the eardrum is perforated or suspected to be perforated, unless prescribed by a specialist.
• Skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, perioral dermatitis, or tuberculous skin lesions unless a doctor specifically advises otherwise.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, use betamethasone only if a doctor decides it is necessary. Use the smallest amount for the shortest time, avoid large areas or prolonged use, and do not apply to the breast or nipple area before breastfeeding. If used near the breast, wash the area thoroughly before feeding.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, and discard eye, ear, or nasal drops according to the label or pharmacist’s advice after opening.