Highlights
- Betamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid with strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
- Doctors use the drug to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and conditions.
- Betamethasone is mostly available in cream, ointment, foam, and topical application formulas.
If you struggle with persistent allergic symptoms, swelling, or skin rashes, your doctor may prescribe betamethasone. The drug reduces inflammation and can treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions. Betamethasone works by inhibiting the release of biochemical compounds that create inflammation in the body.
What Is Betamethasone and What Is It Used For?
Betamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that inhibits the release of inflammatory compounds in the body. It belongs to the class of glucocorticoids, natural hormones produced by the adrenal gland.
Like all corticosteroids, betamethasone exerts multiple effects on the body:
- Anti-inflammatory effects. In response to damage, the body releases inflammatory cells like prostaglandins and leukotrienes to create swelling and itching. Betamethasone reduces the number of inflammatory cells.
- Vasoconstriction. Betamethasone can cause blood vessels to narrow, carrying less blood to a damaged area. With less blood available, the inflammation cannot flare up.
- Immunosuppressive effects. An overactive immune system may attack the healthy cells and tissues of the body. By suppressing the activity of immune cells like neutrophils and lymphocytes, betamethasone defangs the immune system, preventing it from damaging the body.
- Cell stabilization. One way betamethasone limits the release of inflammatory compounds is by making the walls of the cells less permeable and more stable.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, doctors use betamethasone to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions.
Conditions of the Skin
The skin is the scene of many allergic reactions. Betamethasone can help control conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and local allergic reactions.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Betamethasone is often the solution doctors need to control severe allergic reactions like allergic rhinitis or asthma.
Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions like lupus and Crohn’s disease result in systemic inflammation. Sufferers complain of constant fatigue, swelling in the joints, pain, and swelling around the eyes and extremities. Doctors can use betamethasone to keep these conditions under control and improve sufferers’ quality of life.
Conditions of the Muscles and Joints
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have inflammatory and autoimmune components. Betamethasone’s multi-pronged action is the perfect approach to treat these diseases.
Cancer
Betamethasone lends itself well to the treatment of some cancer symptoms. Doctors use it to manage leukemia and brain tumor symptoms.
Betamethasone’s Off-Label Uses
Due to its complex, multi-faceted action, betamethasone works well for a variety of conditions. Many doctors prescribe it off-label (meaning for a condition not formally approved by the FDA).
Your doctor may give you betamethasone if you suffer from:
- Vitiligo, a skin condition involving the loss of pigment
- Alopecia areata, a form of patchy hair loss resulting from an autoimmune disorder
- Phimosis, a condition involving uncomfortably tight penis foreskin
- Lichen planus, an inflammatory skin condition that responds to treatment with topical betamethasone
- Severe itching that can result from a variety of skin conditions
- Skin conditions that may accompany celiac disease, like dermatitis herpetiformis
- Unsightly, raised scars resulting from the abnormal healing of the skin
Only use betamethasone as your doctor prescribes it. Never use oral or topical forms of the product to treat yourself without a doctor’s recommendation.
Betamethasone’s History
Researchers developed betamethasone in the 1950s by chemically modifying cortisol. The goal was to create a potent synthetic corticosteroid with enhanced immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. The pharmaceutical company behind the discovery of the drug was Schering-Plough (Merck & Co.).
The FDA first approved betamethasone in 1961. The first approved drug was an oral pill. Many other betamethasone formulations followed, including syrups, topical ointments, and injectable solutions. Some of the early betamethasone-based drugs are no longer available.
Doctors have used the drug to treat a wide range of diseases since the early 1960s. Since its introduction, they have studied betamethasone extensively in clinical settings for the off-label treatment of many diseases.
Betamethasone Brand Names
Betamethasone is available under many brand names worldwide. Some higher-profile brands include:
- Celestone
- Celestone Soluspan
- Betaject
- Betamethasone IM/PO
- Celestamine
- Diprolene
- ReadySharp Betamethasone
- Pod-Care 100C
How Does Betamethasone Work?
A prednisolone derivative, betamethasone exhibits more powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects than prednisolone. It acts via genomic and non-genomic pathways, attaching itself to various glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting inflammatory transcription factors. At the same time, the drug stimulates anti-inflammatory genes.
When acting through the non-genomic pathway, betamethasone elicits quicker effects. When acting through the genomic pathway, its effects are slower and longer-lasting.
What Formulas Are Available for Betamethasone?
Betamethasone is available in soluble oral tablets. This is not its main form of presentation, however. Betamethasone is highly potent, and its oral administration may lead to profound and potentially undesirable systemic effects. Most betamethasone medications come in topical formulas.
- Gels, ointments, and lotions
- Foam
- Scalp applications
- Injectable solution
- Aerosol
- Combinations with antifungal medications like clotrimazole.
Combining the drug with other active substances has led to many different compound formulas worldwide. Some compound formulas are:
- Betamethasone dipropionate
- Betamethasone sodium phosphate
- Betamethasone valerate
- Betamethasone with salicylic acid
- Betamethasone with gentamicin
Betamethasone Dosage and Administration
Given the number of different betamethasone formulas, it’s not easy to establish valid general dosage guidelines. In addition to the nature and severity of the patient’s condition and the age and overall health of the patient, dosage also depends on the formula, its concentration, etc.
Your doctor knows what formula to prescribe and how to set your dosage. Always refer to the prescription label for dosage-related information. With topical applications, dosage cannot be exact.
In addition to the other variables, dosage also depends on the patient’s response to the treatment. Doctors also determine the maintenance dose based on response. They gradually decrease the dose and use the smallest possible amount to achieve the desired effect.
How Should I Take Betamethasone?
How you take betamethasone depends on the formulation your doctor prescribes. Betamethasone is available in injectable suspension form, as tablets, and in various topical forms.
How to Take Betamethasone Injections
Your healthcare provider will inject betamethasone into the affected joints, muscles, or lesions. Some skin conditions require shallow injections just under the skin.
Only qualified healthcare providers can give these injections. Your doctor will determine the dose you need.
How to Take Betamethasone Tablets
Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking betamethasone tablets. Unless otherwise instructed, take oral betamethasone medication as a single dose after breakfast. Remember that your doctor always has the last word on how you should take your medication.
Swallow your tablets with a glass of water. If you have to take half a tablet, you can split it. Betamethasone tablets are water-soluble. If you can’t swallow pills, you can dissolve them in water and drink them. Talk to your doctor before resorting to this method of ingestion.
How to Use Topical Betamethasone
Never take topical betamethasone by mouth. Pharmacists have designed these ointments, sprays, creams, lotions, and gels for use on the skin. If somehow you get these medications in your mouth or eyes, rinse with plenty of water.
Use topical betamethasone exactly as your doctor prescribes it. If you do not understand how to use the products, contact your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after applying the medication to the affected areas of your skin.
- Apply a small amount of product and gently rub it into the skin.
- Do not use topical betamethasone medications on large areas of skin.
- Don’t cover the skin after treatment with betamethasone unless your doctor tells you to do that.
- If your skin condition does not improve after two weeks of betamethasone treatment, call your doctor.
Some forms of topical betamethasone medications may be flammable. Don’t use them next to an open flame.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Betamethasone?
Betamethasone can produce severe and common side effects in injection, tablet, and topical forms.
Serious Betamethasone Side Effects
Betamethasone Injection Side Effects
The severe side effects of betamethasone injections include:
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Seizures
- Swollen glands
- Irregular heartbeats
- Wounds that won’t heal
- Joint stiffness
- Pain in the upper stomach
- Depression
- Fat accumulation in the face and shoulders
- Blurred vision
- Other vision problems
Topical Betamethasone Side Effects
In addition to those listed above, topical forms can also cause severe skin irritation and skin infection symptoms.
Oral Betamethasone Side Effects
In addition to the list of injection side effects, oral betamethasone can also cause:
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Sore throat
- Fever
If you experience these severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Also, seek medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug.
Common Betamethasone Side Effects
The more common and less severe side effects of betamethasone include:
- Weight gain
- Indigestion
- Muscle weakness
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Thinning skin
- Numbness
- Itching
- Folliculitis
- Restlessness
- Sweating
Overdosing on betamethasone or using betamethasone medications for longer than recommended increases the chances of experiencing common and severe side effects.
What Should I Avoid When Taking Betamethasone?
Avoid sick people and exposure to infections. As an immune system modulator, betamethasone makes you more likely to become sick.
While using this medication, avoid receiving a “live” vaccine — one that contains weakened or inactive versions of viruses or bacteria, such as chickenpox, influenza, and shingles vaccines.
Inactivated vaccines like your yearly flu shot, HPV, or hepatitis vaccines may be OK, but talk to your doctor before receiving them.
If you use topical betamethasone, avoid getting it in your eyes. Don’t use it to treat skin conditions without your doctor’s recommendation.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Betamethasone?
If you miss a betamethasone injection appointment, call your doctor. If you forget to apply your betamethasone ointment, apply it as soon as you remember it. Skip a dose if it’s almost time for your next one.
You don’t want to take two doses of betamethasone in quick succession, as it may lead to an overdose.
What Should I Do If I Overdose on Betamethasone?
You can’t overdose on betamethasone injections, as only healthcare professionals can administer these drugs.
If you take too many tablets or use too much topical medication, seek medical help immediately. You can also call the Poise Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Look out for the following overdose symptoms:
- Thinning skin
- Changes in body fat distribution
- Loss of libido
- Mood swings
- Erectile problems
- Acne
- Changes in facial hair
- Irregular menstrual cycles
What Precautions Should I Take With Betamethasone?
Before using betamethasone, consider the following:
- Allergies: Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any allergies you have, especially if you are allergic to betamethasone, other medications, or any ingredients in betamethasone topical products. Request a list of these ingredients from your pharmacist.
- Medication overview: Communicate with your doctor and pharmacist about your current medications, both prescription and nonprescription, as well as vitamins and nutritional supplements. Pay special attention to other corticosteroid medications and topical medications.
- Medical history: Disclose any history of infections, diabetes, liver disease, or Cushing’s syndrome (caused by excess corticosteroids) to your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, notify your doctor. If you become pregnant while using betamethasone topical, contact your doctor immediately.
- Surgery precautions: If you are undergoing surgery, including dental surgery, inform your surgeon or dentist that you are using betamethasone topical.
Contraindications
Some people should not take betamethasone. Others should use it with caution under close medical supervision.
Keep in mind that these lists are general guidelines. In special cases, doctors may feel the benefits of taking a particular medication outweigh the risks, so if you belong to one of these groups, talk to your doctor about your personal situation.
Who Should Not Take Betamethasone?
Patients who have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) — a blood disorder that causes low platelet counts — or are allergic to the drug should not take betamethasone in any form.
Who Should Take Betamethasone With Caution?
Talk to your doctor if you have:
- Eye herpes
- Liver disease or cirrhosis
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach ulcer
- Malaria
- High blood pressure
- Parasitic infection
- Kidney disease
- Muscle disorders
- Tuberculosis
Only your doctor can determine if the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks in these cases.
Are There Any Other Potential Drug Interactions With Betamethasone?
According to Drugs.com, a total of 48 drugs and supplements can interact with this medication. Of these, one is major. Nadofaragene firadenovec, a drug used to treat bladder cancer, can cause an infection if taken with betamethasone.
There are 47 moderate potential interactions also reported for this medication. For the complete interactions list, see Drug Interactions Checker.
Responses to any medication can vary widely among individuals. This variability depends on many factors, including the specific condition being treated, the patient’s overall health, and other medications they might be taking.
No list of potential drug interactions is complete, so let your provider know if you experience any new or unusual symptoms after taking this medication.
Conclusion
Betamethasone is a powerful corticosteroid with potentially severe side effects. You should know about its uses, interactions with other drugs, and potential side effects.
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Please note that this information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.
