Betamethasone

Dosage Forms Available

• Betamethasone is available for use via oral (tablet, capsule), parenteral (i/v, i/m), and topical (cream, lotion, gel) routes.

Age And Dose Restrictions

• It can be used in both adults and children with appropriate dose calculation.

Contraindications 

• It is contraindicated in patients allergic to betamethasone.

Medications To Avoid With This Drug

• It is advisable to inform your doctor regarding all the medications that you are taking so that he/she can decide regarding the use of Betamethasone or its dose adjustment if needed.

Overdose And Missed Dose

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken if there is a time gap from the subsequent dose. If not, then a routine dosing regimen should be followed.
• Chronic high doses of betamethasone can cause cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, mood changes etc. It is important to inform your doctor regarding these effects who will taper the dose of betamethasone and initiate a symptomatic treatment. 

Use In Driving And Operating Machinery

• It is unlikely to impair the mental alertness or coordination required while driving.

Use In Pregnancy And Lactation

• Betamethasone use during pregnancy and lactation is permissible but requires caution.

Caution In Other Conditions

• Caution is advised for use of Betamethasone in patients with kidney or liver disease.

Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation

• Alcohol consumption should be avoided when using betamethasone.
• Betamethasone should not be stopped abruptly. Its dose is gradually tapered before stopping it. 
• Patients who are on a longer duration of treatment with betamethasone should have restrictions on sodium and potassium intake. Also, patients suffering from cholesterol problems need to monitor their lipid levels closely.