Betamethasone
Written By Dr. Love Sharma
Reviewed By Dr. Varun GuptaLast updated 31 Mar 2020 | 10:26 AM (UTC)
Betamethasone Uses
Betamethasone is used in the treatment of allergic conditions.
How Betamethasone works
Betamethasone is a steroid which works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies.
Common side effects of Betamethasone
Skin thinning, Increased risk of infection, Weight gain, Mood changes, Behavioural changes
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Expert advice for Betamethasone
- Betamethasone helps treat inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems that require either reduction of inflammation or suppression of the immune system.
- Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.
- Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
- Betamethasone can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat.
- Side effects such as mood changes or stomach problems can happen when you start taking Betamethasone. Inform your doctor if this bothers you.
- Do not stop taking Betamethasone suddenly without talking to your doctor first as it may worsen your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions for Betamethasone
Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid and belongs to a group of medicines called steroids also known as corticosteroids. These are synthesized naturally in the body and help to maintain health and well-being. Two main classes of corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids are involved in a wide range of physiologic processes, including stress response, immune response, and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.
Betamethasone is safe to use when used for an indication in a dose as advised by your doctor.
Betamethasone is not known to cause hair loss. Rather, it may cause an increase in body hair growth (especially in females) on long-term use. Talk to your doctor if you get excessive hair growth on your body while taking Betamethasone.
Betamethasone is not an antibiotic. It's a glucocorticoid.
Betamethasone is not used in retention edema. Glucocorticoids can cause fluid and salt retention as a side effect thereby causing edema or aggravating edema. However, Betamethasone does not normally cause retention of salt and water and the risk of inducing edema and hypertension is almost negligible.
Betamethasone and hydrocortisone belong to the same class of medications (i.e. corticosteroids) and produce almost similar pharmacological responses. The effect may vary based on the conditions and individual response. Always follow doctor’s advice regarding its use.
An increase in the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding may occur if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen are taken with corticosteroids. Talk to your doctor before taking Betamethasone with any NSAID.
Yes, Betamethasone does expire. All the medicines come with an expiry date mentioned on the pack. You must check the expiry date before using any medicine.
Betamethasone can cause insomnia (inability to sleep). Most people find that using this medicine for a short time causes no problems. Talk to your doctor if you experience insomnia while taking Betamethasone.
Betamethasone can cause weight gain especially when high doses taken for a long time or repeated short courses are taken. Please consult your doctor if you experience weight gain after taking Betamethasone.
Betamethasone is not a hydrocortisone. These are two different drugs which belong to the same group of medicines called steroids (also known as corticosteroids).
Betamethasone is not an over the counter (OTC) medicine. It is available only when prescribed by a doctor.