betamethasone (systemic)

DRUG INTERACTION

Contraindicated  

Serious Use Alternative  

Monitor Closely  

Minor  

Frequency defined:   

>10% 

Headache 

Epistaxis   

1% to 10% 

Localized erythema 

Fever 

Abdominal stress 

Weight gain 

Diarrhea 

Dizziness 

Dry nose 

Blood in the systemic mucosa  

<1% 

Esophageal candidiasis  

Systemic candidiasis 

Pharyngeal candidiasis 

 

Pregnancy consideration: betamethasone can cross the placenta and partially metabolize into an inactive metabolite. 

Lactation: Betamethasone can be excreted in breast milk.  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

 

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: Betamethasone 

Pronounced: Beta-me-ta-zon  

Why do we use betamethasone? 

Betamethasone is a systemic corticosteroid. It is used to treat allergy signs, swelling problems, and skin rashes. It may be used for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.