Betamethasone belongs to a class of medications called glucocorticoids or steroid hormones. It mainly works by reducing inflammation with a wide range of uses, including:
You can take Betamethasone by mouth as tablets or capsules. It is more commonly used as cream or ointment by directly applying sparingly to the affected skin areas. If you are taking it orally, the usual daily dose ranges from 0.5 to 5 mg for adults. If you are using creams or ointments, apply sparingly to the affected areas 1-2 times a day.
When used as a cream or ointment, minimise the period of time you use Betamethasone as long-term use can cause skin thinning. When Betamethasone is taken by mouth for long-term use, it can have more serious side effects such as anxiety, cataracts, cognitive impairment, fat redistribution (moon face and buffalo hump), fluid retention, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, impaired wound healing, high blood pressure, increased risk of infection, menstrual cycle irregularities, and osteoporosis.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take oral Betamethasone with or without food.
Do not use topical Betamethasone more than 2 times each day.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Betamethasone may interact with:
Oral preparations:
Drug-drug interactions generally are not likely for topical use.
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Betamethasone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Betamethasone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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