betamed

betamed Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

betamed valerate is a potent topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions when administered topically.

Corticosteroids bind to the glucocorticoid receptor inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals, while promoting anti-inflammatory signals. Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are multiples of what the body naturally produces. Patients who require long-term treatment with a corticosteroid should be counselled regarding the risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.

Trade Name betamed
Availability Prescription only
Generic Betamethasone
Betamethasone Other Names beta-Methasone alcohol, Betadexamethasone, Betametasona, Betamethasone, Bétaméthasone, Betamethasonum
Related Drugs Humira, aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, Cymbalta, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone
Weight 0.1%,
Type Cream, Oral Capsule And Minerals, Antioxidant Multiple Vitamins And Minerals, Multiple Vitamins With Minerals, Multiple Vitamins With Minerals And Essential Fatty Acids, Multiple Vitamins With Zinc, Therapeutic Multiple Vitamins With Minerals, Vitamin B Complex With C, Folic Acid, Iron And Zinc), Oral Kit, Oral Liquid, Oral Lozenge, Oral Powder For Reconstitution, Oral Tablet, Chewable, Disintegrating, Effervescent, Extended Release, Oral Wafer
Formula C22H29FO5
Weight Average: 392.4611
Monoisotopic: 392.199902243
Protein binding

Betamethasone valerate binds to serum albumin and corticosteroid-binding globulin.

Groups Approved, Vet approved
Therapeutic Class Corticosteroid
Manufacturer Medpharma Pharmaceutical & Chemical Industries
Available Country Saudi Arabia, United States
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
betamed
betamed

Uses

Indicated in atopic, infantile & discoid eczema; prurigo nodularis; Psoriasis (excluding widespread plague psoriasis); lichen simplex or planus; contact sensitivity reactions; seborrhoeic dermatitis; discoid lupus erythematosus & adjunct to systemic steroid therapy in generalized erythroderma.

betamed is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Gouty Arthritis, Adrenal cortical hypofunctions, Alopecia Areata (AA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Berylliosis, Blepharitis allergic, Blepharoconjunctivitis, Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, Bursitis, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Inflammation, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Dermatomyositis, Dermatosis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Edema of the cerebrum, Epicondylitis, Episcleritis, External ear inflammation, Eye allergy, Hypercalcemia of Malignancy, Inflammatory Reaction of the ear, Iridocyclitis, Iritis, Itching caused by Allergies, Keloid Scars, Keratitis interstitial, Keratoconjunctivitis, Leukemias, Lichen Planus (LP), Lichen simplex chronicus, Lupus Erythematosus, Malignant Lymphomas, Multiple sclerosis exacerbation, Mycosis Fungoides (MF), Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, Nephrotic Syndrome, Ocular Inflammation, Ocular injuries, Ophthalmia, Sympathetic, Pemphigus, Plaque psoriasis of the body, Plaque psoriasis of the scalp, Polymyositis, Post-Surgical Ocular Inflammation, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriatic plaque, Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Regional Enteritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile, Scleritis, Secondary thrombocytopenia, Severe Asthma, Severe Atopic Dermatitis, Skin Infections, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Temporal Arteritis, Trichinosis, Tuberculous Meningitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Uveitis, Verrucous Lichen Planus (LP), Acquired immune hemolytic anemia, Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, Acute rheumatic carditis, Bacterial blepharitis, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Eczematous rash, Exfoliative erythroderma, Granuloma annulare lesions, Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, Non-suppurative Thyroiditis, Ocular bacterial infections, Severe Allergic rhinitis, Severe Contact dermatitis, Severe Serum sickness, Severe Transfusion Reactions, Severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, Superficial ocular infections, Symptomatic Sarcoidosis, Synovitis of osteoarthritis

How betamed works

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors. They also inhibit phospholipase A2, leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives. In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.

Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways. The genomic pathway is slower and occurs when glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors and initiate downstream effects that promote transcription of anti-inflammatory genes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), IL-1-receptor antagonist, and tyrosine amino transferase (TAT). On the other hand, the nongenomic pathway is able to elicit a quicker response by modulating T-cell, platelet and monocyte activity through the use of existing membrane-bound receptors and second messengers.

Dosage

betamed dosage

Apply sparingly to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily until an improvement occurs.

Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrychosis acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliariamay be reported.

Toxicity

Chronic high doses of glucocorticoids can lead to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, myopathy, osteoporosis, mood changes, psychosis, dermal atrophy, allergy, acne, hypertrichosis, immune suppression, decreased resistance to infection, moon face, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, growth suppression, and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Overdose may be treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the corticosteroid as well as initiating symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Precaution

Avoid long-term therapy particularly in infant & children; the treated area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Avoid contact with eyes.

Interaction

Increased hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia with thiazide diuretics. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum concentration of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents.

Potentially Fatal: Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

Food Interaction

No interactions found.

betamed Cholesterol interaction

[Moderate] Corticosteroids may elevate serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels if used for longer than brief periods.

Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during prolonged corticosteroid therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

betamed Hypertension interaction

[Moderate] Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure.

These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone.

The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities.

However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods.

Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and

Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Volume of Distribution

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,584±23,539 mL(s).

Elimination Route

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered. For example, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment is classified as a highly potent topical steroid, while betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or lotion is considered to be moderately potent.

There are several structural modifications that can determine the potency of a topical corticosteroid. For example, corticosteroids containing a halogen at specific carbons, or that contain esters are more potent due to enhanced lipophilicity. As such, there is a marked difference between topical products containing betamethasone dipropionate vs. betamethasone valerate. betamed dipropionate contains 2 esters which enhances its potency, while betamethasone valerate has only one ester and is less potent.

It should be noted that the use of occlusive dressings with topical steroids significantly increases the absorption, increasing the risk for adverse effects.

Half Life

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2 ± 2.5 hours.

Clearance

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 ± 805 mL/hour.

Elimination Route

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids and should not be used extensively for a prolonged period. Caution should be excercised when topical corticosteroids are administered in nursing women.

Contraindication

betamed is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. betamed Eye/Ear/Nasal Drops is contraindicated in Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye; known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient; red eye due to unknown causes; viral or fungal infections in the treatment area; tuberculosis, glaucoma etc.

Acute Overdose

Long-term intensive topical use may lead to systemic effects

Storage Condition

Protect from light. Do not freeze. Store between 15 °C and 30 °C.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here betamed

betamed contains Betamethasone see full prescribing information from innovator betamed Monograph, betamed MSDS, betamed FDA label

FAQ

What is betamed used for?

betamed skin treatments are used to treat itching, swollen and irritated skin. They can help with conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis and psoriasis. betamed skin treatments are available on prescription only.

how long does betamed take to work?

For most skin conditions, and in most people, some improvement is noted within three to four days of starting treatment. The majority of conditions should resolve within one week of betamed use.

Is betamed an antifungal?

betamed is a corticosteroid and antifungal cream. It treats ringworm and infections like jock itch and athlete's foot. betamed also helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by these infections.

Where do I apply betamed cream?

To use betamed topical, apply a small amount of ointment, cream, solution, gel, or lotion to cover the affected area of skin with a thin even film and rub it in gently. To use the foam on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small amount of the medicine on the affected area, and rub it in gently.

When can't I use betamed on your face?

Higher potency betamed products should not be used on the face due to the risk of side effects like skin thinning, visible broken capillaries (telangiectasia), and striae (lines on the face).

Is betamed the same as hydrocortisone?

betamed (Betamethasone) is not the same as hydrocortisone, but both medications are corticosteroids (steroids, for short). They are often used to treat skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.

What does betamed do to the skin?

This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). betamed reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a medium-strength corticosteroid.

What are the side effects of betamed cream?

betamed Side Effects are

  • Burning, itching, irritation, or dryness at the application site may occur when this medication is first applied to the skin.
  • Tell your doctor promptly if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, extreme/unwanted hair growth, "hair bumps" (folliculitis).

Why betamed uses?

betamed is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). betamed reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. Betamethasone is a strong corticosteroid.

How to use betamed?

Wash and dry your hands. Before applying betamed, clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 1-2 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

Can I use betamed for ringworm?

betamed topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.

Is betamed an antibiotic?

betamed is a medium-strength anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching. It also contains gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication treats only bacterial skin infections.

Is betamed good for psoriasis?

betamed is an effective and well-tolerated medication in mild-to-moderate psoriasis of body and scalp and, in addition, is an evidence-based treatment modality.

Is betamed good for poison ivy?

betamed can be used to treat poison ivy, if prescribed by your doctor for this use. It is considered a high potency corticosteroid and requires a prescription.

Does betamed thin the skin?

Long term use of betamed high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Can I use betamed for a yeast infection?

A skin cream containing betamethasone in combination with clotrimazole MAY, in certain circumstances, be used for some yeast infections: however, a skin cream or lotion that only contains betamethasone should NEVER be used for a yeast infection because it does not kill the yeast and can make the infection worse.

Is betamed used for cough?

Betamethasone gel, when was used for lubrication of endotracheal tubes pre-operatively, was shown to be effective in decreasing postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and cough.

Is betamed cream prescription only?

betamed cream is a potent corticosteroid so is restricted to prescription only to ensure that is used safely and appropriately. If the mild hydrocortisone creams are not effective then it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis to check if a stronger corticosteroid cream or ointment is suitable.

How often can I use betamed?

Adults Dosage: Apply to the affected area of the skin 2 times a day. Do not use this medicine longer than 4 weeks. 

Children: Use is not recommended.

Can betamed cause contractions?

betamed administration in triplet and quadruplet births is associated with increased uterine contractions, preterm labor with cervical change, and preterm labor requiring tocolysis. There should be fewer than 3.5 contractions per hour to minimize the steroid effect on uterine activity.

Is betamed safe for babies?

Do not use betamed topical on a child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects. betamed is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old.

Can betamed cause sleeplessness?

Common side effects may include: headache, depression, mood swings; sleep problems (insomnia).

Is betamed used for asthma?

betamed is used to treat asthma, allergies, arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It is also used for other conditions, like blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

What tier is betamed?

Medicare plans typically list betamed in Tier 2 of their formulary. Tier 2 means that this drug is a “non-preferred generic”.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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