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Betamethasone |
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What is Betamethasone and why is it prescribed? Betamethasone, a synthetic cortisone-like steroid available in cream, gel, lotion, or ointment form, is used to treat certain itchy rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions. When you use Betamethasone, you inevitably absorb some of the medication through your skin and into the bloodstream. Too much absorption can lead to unwanted side effects elsewhere in the body. To keep this problem to a minimum, avoid using large amounts of Betamethasone over large areas, and do not cover it with airtight dressings such as plastic wrap or adhesive bandages. How should you take Betamethasone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Betamethasone. Apply Betamethasone in a thin film, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. A typical regimen is 1 or 2 applications per day. Do not use Betamethasone for longer than prescribed. Betamethasone is for use only on the skin. Be careful to keep it out of your eyes. Once you have applied Betamethasone, never cover the skin with an airtight bandage or other tight dressing. For a fungal or bacterial skin infection, you will need antifungal or antibacterial medication in addition to Betamethasone. If improvement is not prompt, you should stop using Betamethasone until the infection is visibly clearing. If you miss a dose apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Store Betamethasone at room temperature. Are there any Betamethasone side effects? Betamethasone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. A possible side effect of Betamethasone is stinging or burning of the skin where the medication is applied. Other Betamethasone side effects on the skin may include acne-like eruptions, atrophy, "broken'' capillaries (fine reddish lines), cracking or tightening, dryness, excess hair growth, infected hair follicles, inflammation, irritation, itching, prickly heat, rash, redness, and sensitivity to touch. Betamethasone can be absorbed and produce side effects elsewhere in the body. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Betamethasone? If Betamethasone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Do not use Betamethasone with any other steroid-containing product. Such combinations increase the chance of absorption and side effects. Are there any special warnings about Betamethasone? Do not use Betamethasone to treat any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. |
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