Indications
Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate is a corticosteroid (steroid). It is most often used as eye, ear or nose drops, sometimes combined with an antibiotic such as Neomycin, to treat:
- Eye inflammation that is not caused by infection, such as allergic conjunctivitis and swelling after eye surgery.
- Inflammation and eczema of the outer ear canal.
- Allergic or inflammatory nose conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.
Injections and tablets are also used for severe allergic reactions and other serious inflammatory conditions, as prescribed.
How It Works
Betamethasone calms the body’s inflammatory and allergic response. This reduces redness, swelling, itching and pain in the treated area.
Dosage and Administration
- Eye: usually 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye every 2 to 4 hours at first, reduced as the eye improves, as prescribed.
- Ear: usually 2 to 3 drops into the ear 2 to 3 times a day, as prescribed.
- Nose: usually 2 to 3 drops into each nostril 2 to 3 times a day, with the head tilted back, as prescribed.
- Injection: given by a doctor or nurse. Tablets: only as prescribed.
Use for the shortest time needed and do not use eye drops for more than about a week without your doctor’s review. Wash your hands before and after use, and do not let the dropper tip touch any surface.
Interactions
Drops: few interactions; leave 5 minutes between different eye drops. Tablets and injections: NSAID painkillers increase the risk of stomach ulcers; steroids can raise blood sugar and weaken diabetes medicines; diuretics can lower potassium further; Ritonavir and Ketoconazole can increase steroid effects; Rifampicin, Phenytoin and Carbamazepine can reduce them; live vaccines should be avoided during high-dose treatment.
Contraindications
- Eye infections caused by viruses (such as herpes simplex or chickenpox), fungi or tuberculosis, and untreated bacterial infections.
- Ear drops with an antibiotic: a perforated (torn) eardrum.
- Tablets and injections: serious infections that are not being treated.
- Allergy to betamethasone or any other ingredient.
Side Effects
Drops: brief stinging or blurred vision after use. Long or repeated use in the eye can raise eye pressure (glaucoma), cause cataracts, slow healing and make infections more likely. Tablets and injections, especially at high doses or for long periods: raised blood sugar, stomach upset, mood and sleep changes, weight gain, fluid retention, high blood pressure, thinning bones and a higher risk of infection.
Get urgent medical help if you have eye pain, a change in vision, worsening redness or discharge, signs of a serious allergic reaction, black stools or vomiting blood, severe mood changes, or signs of a serious infection such as high fever.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Short courses of drops are usually acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding if a doctor advises them. Tablets and injections should be used only when the doctor considers them necessary.
Precautions and Warnings
- Do not use eye drops for a red eye without a diagnosis; some infections are made worse by steroids.
- Long-term eye use needs regular eye pressure checks.
- Remove contact lenses before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back.
- After long use of tablets, do not stop suddenly; the doctor will reduce the dose slowly.
- Do not share drops, and tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers or glaucoma.
Overdose
Using extra drops is unlikely to be harmful. Long-term high doses of tablets can cause steroid side effects such as a round face, weight gain and high blood sugar. Seek medical advice if a large amount is swallowed.
Therapeutic Class
Corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep the bottle tightly closed and discard eye, ear or nose drops 4 weeks after opening. Keep out of reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.