Betamethasone is used for the treatment of inflammation associated with various disorders, from asthma to allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, eye problems and skin disorders. It is also recommended in the treatment in certain forms of cancer (e.g. leukemia) and of conditions associated with malfunction of the adrenal gland.
What is Betamethasone?
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation and modifying the body's immune response.
How should Betamethasone be taken?
Betamethasone can be taken orally (usually in the form of tablets like effervescent or syrup), by inhalation, by injections (intravenous or intramuscular) or it can be used in the form of gels and ointments that can be applied on the skin.
Side effects associated with Betamethasone
Betamethasone may reduce the body's ability to fight infections. It can also affect the blood sugar level and in case of prolonged treatment, it can compromise the normal synthesis of steroids produced by the body.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Acne
- Clumsiness
- Dizziness
- Redness in the face
- General physical discomfort
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site
- Insomnia
- Stomach discomfort
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Betamethasone triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Dark stools
- Changes in body fat
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Changes in skin color
- Bleeding or bruising
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mood or behavior changes
- Pain, muscle weakness or loss
- Severe vomiting
- Dizziness or headaches
- Swelling of feet or legs
- Fever, chills, sore throat
- Aching bones or tendons
- Skin thinning
- Strange skin sensations
- Unjustified weight gain
- Vision or eye problems
- Vomit that looks like coffee
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Betamethasone
Betamethasone should not be taken in case of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines or any food
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular aprepitant, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, troleandromicina, barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, lithium, rifampin, Aspirin, mifepristone and ritrodrina
- You suffer (or have suffered) from bleeding disorders, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, recent infections (bacterial, fungal, viral, malarial and other sources), ocular herpes, chicken pox, shingles, diabetes, seizures, hypothyroidism, adrenal problems, mood disorders, psychiatric disease, low levels of potassium in the blood, head injury, HIV, tuberculosis infection (also in case of a positive tuberculin skin test), gastrointestinal problems, inflammation of the esophagus, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, or problems at the joints (fractures or infections)
- You had a recent surgery
- You had a recent vaccination
- You had a heart attack
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Betamethasone prior to any procedure.
