betnesol Tablets 0.5mg

Betnesol Tablets Specification Sheet

Requires Prescription: ✅ Yes

Generics

• Betamethasone

Used For

• Pain & Inflammation
• Also used in:
• Asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis)
• Inflammatory skin diseases (e.g., pemphigus, pyoderma gangrenosum)

How It Works

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic properties.

• It stabilizes lysosomal membranes in neutrophils, reducing degranulation and inflammation.
• Suppresses the immune response and cytokine production.
• Decreases capillary permeability to control swelling and pain.

Dosage

• Active Ingredient: Betamethasone
• Dosage and duration vary by indication and patient condition.

Side Effects

Common (especially with long-term/high-dose use):

• Skin thinning, bruising
• Osteoporosis
• Cataracts (subcapsular)
• Glaucoma
• Hyperglycemia and Cushingoid features (e.g., moon face, weight gain)
• Suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
• Aseptic necrosis of femoral head
• Muscle weakness (steroid myopathy)

Drug Interactions

Use caution with:

• Live vaccines (avoid use)
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
• Diuretics, hypoglycemics, antihypertensives
• CYP3A4 modulators: erythromycin, rifampin, azoles, ritonavir
• NSAIDs, salicylates (↑ GI risk)
• Anticonvulsants: phenytoin, carbamazepine
• Oral contraceptives (may increase steroid effect)
• Cyclosporine, digoxin, methotrexate, theophylline, muscle relaxants

Indications

• Autoimmune diseases
• Severe allergies/anaphylaxis
• Inflammatory disorders of the skin, joints, and kidneys
• Respiratory disorders like bronchial asthma
• Hematologic disorders and certain cancers

When Not to Use

• Systemic fungal or untreated infections
• Live virus vaccines
• Hypersensitivity to betamethasone or formulation components

Precautions

• History of psychosis, peptic ulcers, tuberculosis, myopathy, or diabetes
• Use cautiously in immunocompromised individuals
• Use with lowest effective dose for shortest duration to reduce risk

Warnings

Warning 1:
Corticosteroids suppress immune response, increasing infection risk and masking infection symptoms.

Warning 2:
Long-term use may impair pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to adrenal insufficiency during physical stress or after withdrawal.

Warning 3:
Use in elderly should consider higher risks of osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and skin fragility.

Pregnancy Category

• Use only if clearly needed. Always consult a physician before use.

Storage

✅ Yes — Store at room temperature, protected from light and heat.