Sometimes our immune system responds in an exaggerated way to the presence of possible attacks on the body , causing annoying symptoms such as inflammation or pain and in others it causes skin conditions.
In this sense, medical science conducted research in this regard and with the participation of the pharmaceutical industry, they managed to manufacture drugs to alleviate these discomforts, one of them being betamethasone.
For this reason, in this article we provide you with all the information you need to know about betamethasone , its relevant characteristics and for which situations your doctor can prescribe it.
What is betamethasone?
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat inflammatory processes in the body, caused by a sudden drop in corticosteroid levels in the body. Its active ingredient is betamethasone, a long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid compound with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
The commercial presentation of this medicine is in injectable solution with 4 mg/ml. or solution for injection with 8 mg/2 ml. It can also be found in the form of a cream or ointment of 25 g at 0.1% and in oral drops in solution of 0.5 mg of betamethasone.
To highlight: The administration of this medication will depend on the type of condition to be treated , however in skin conditions the application is applied topically on the affected area twice a day.
In cases where the disease requires an oral or injectable dose, it is advisable to follow the instructions of the treating physician after the evaluation. For cutaneous use in children, the use of an occlusive dressing is recommended .
What is betamethasone used for?
Betamethasone is indicated for diseases that respond to local or systemic treatment with corticosteroids , specifically in the following cases:
1. Allergies
The immune system is the first defense mechanism against the aggressions that the organism can suffer. Sometimes this mechanism becomes unbalanced and reacts with responses of excessive intensity. In this case we speak of hypersensitivity or allergy.
In this sense, corticosteroid medications represent an option to effectively treat allergic reactions and control their symptoms. (1)
You should know: The use of corticosteroid drugs such as betamethasone has meant a great advance in the treatment of oral lichen planus (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth). (two)
2. Skin conditions
Skin diseases are very common in the general population. They can appear on the scalp like psoriasis or systemic lupus erythematosus , manifesting symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, scabs, flaking, inflammation and other discomfort caused by different causes.
Important : Some scientific studies describe the efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of psoriasis. (3)
3. Inflammatory disorders
When inflammatory disorders are caused by imbalances in the immune system , diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may appear, which consists of inflammatory processes of the joints due to degenerative causes.
Note: A clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of betamethasone in the treatment of gouty arthritis . (4)
Betamethasone Side Effects
The use of this medicine can cause some of the following adverse reactions in certain patients:
- Hypersensitivity reactions to the components of betamethasone or any other corticosteroid.
- May cause contact dermatitis .
- Secondary infections may develop.
- In some patients it can cause high blood pressure.
- Some alteration in wound healing may occur.
- In the case of using betamethasone topically, do not use it in very large areas as it can cause hypercorticism (excess cortisol), especially in children or infants.
Important: If you notice the appearance of any of these symptoms or any other that does not appear on this list, stop using it and consult your doctor.
Betamethasone Contraindications
The use of this drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the components of betamethasone in any of its presentations.
- In patients suffering from renal insufficiency.
- If you have suffered from diabetes, any liver disease or Cushing’s syndrome.
- If you have suffered from disorders in the digestive system such as Crohn’s disease.
- During the period of pregnancy and lactation.
- In patients with a history of affective disorders due to the use of corticosteroids.
- In patients who are under treatment with medicines such as acetylsalicylic acid .
You should know: Before starting treatment with glucocorticoids such as betamethasone, it is advisable to review your medical history with your doctor.
Key Findings
- Betamethasone is a synthetic drug belonging to the corticosteroid family.
- Its active ingredient is betamethasone , a glucocorticoid chemical compound with long-lasting anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
- This drug is used in the treatment of conditions such as allergies, inflammatory disorders, and skin conditions .
- The use of this medicine must be under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.