Sinacort

Indications

Betamethasone is a strong corticosteroid (steroid) used to calm inflammation. On the skin (cream, ointment, lotion) it treats eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, allergic rashes and insect bite reactions. It is often combined with an antifungal such as Clotrimazole, an antibiotic such as Neomycin or Gentamicin, or Salicylic Acid for thick, scaly skin. Tablets and injections are used for severe allergies, asthma, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and drops are used for inflammation of the eye, ear or nose.

How It Works

It reduces the body's inflammatory and immune response at the treated site, which lowers redness, swelling, itching and pain.

Dosage and Administration

Skin: apply a thin layer to the affected area only, once or twice a day, and wash your hands afterwards. Use for the shortest time needed, usually not more than 2 to 4 weeks, unless a doctor advises otherwise. Do not use on the face, groin, armpits or on children unless a doctor has told you to. Tablets, injections and eye, ear or nose drops: as prescribed. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse. Do not stop tablets suddenly after more than a few weeks of use; the dose must be reduced gradually as advised.

Interactions

Skin products rarely interact with other medicines. With tablets or injections: Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other painkillers of the same group raise the risk of stomach ulcers; it can raise blood sugar and weaken diabetes medicines; water tablets such as Furosemide can lower potassium further; it can change the effect of Warfarin; Rifampicin, Phenytoin and Carbamazepine can reduce its effect, while Ritonavir, Itraconazole and Clarithromycin can increase it. Avoid live vaccines while taking high doses.

Contraindications

Allergy to betamethasone. On the skin: untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections (such as cold sores, chickenpox or shingles), acne, rosacea and the rash around the mouth called perioral dermatitis. By mouth or injection: serious untreated infections, unless the doctor decides otherwise.

Side Effects

Skin: burning or stinging, and with long or heavy use thinning of the skin, stretch marks, visible small blood vessels, lighter patches and acne. Tablets and injections: increased appetite and weight, raised blood sugar and blood pressure, mood or sleep changes, more infections, and with long use weakened bones and eye problems. Get urgent medical help for a serious allergic reaction, signs of a spreading infection (fever, pus, spreading redness), sudden vision changes, black stools or vomiting blood, or severe mood changes.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Skin products may be used on small areas for short periods if a doctor advises. Do not apply to the breasts before breastfeeding. Tablets and injections are used in pregnancy and breastfeeding only when a doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not cover treated skin with a tight bandage or plastic unless told to, as more medicine is absorbed. Keep away from the eyes unless it is an eye product. Children are more sensitive to steroid side effects. Do not use a combination cream for a new rash without advice, because a steroid can hide or worsen some infections. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, stomach ulcers or a history of tuberculosis need medical supervision for tablets or injections.

Overdose

Using too much once is unlikely to cause harm. Long-term overuse, especially of tablets or of strong creams on large areas, can suppress the body's own steroid production and cause a round face, weight gain, high blood sugar and weak bones. Seek medical advice; do not stop long-term tablets suddenly.

Therapeutic Class

Corticosteroid (potent topical steroid; glucocorticoid).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.