Betamethasone(Celestene) is a potent glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Unlike other drugs with these effects, betamethasone does not cause water retention. It is applied as a topical cream, ointment, foam, lotion or gel to treat itching. Betamethasone sodium phosphate is sometimes prescribed as an intramuscular injection (I.M) for itching from various ailments, including allergic reactions to poison ivy and similar plants.

Betamethasone is a potent topical corticosteroid (also referred to as a topical steroid). Topical steroids are used in addition to emollients (moisturisers) for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. A topical steroid is used when patches of eczema or dermatitis flare up. It is not a cure for your condition, but it will help to relieve the symptoms of a flare-up by reducing inflammation, itching and redness.

1. Indications

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used as a topical cream to relieve skin irritation, such as itching and flaking from eczema. It is used as a treatment for local psoriasis, as betamethasone dipropionate and salicylic acid, or as the combination betamethasone/calcipotriol. Betamethasone sodium phosphate is used orally and via injection with the same indications as other steroids.

2. Usage

Betamethasone comes in ointment, cream, lotion, and aerosol (spray) in various strengths for use on the skin. It is usually applied one to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use betamethasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or wrap or bandage the treated area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

3. Side Effects

Skin irritation, e.g. itching, burning, stinging. Thinning of the skin. Changes in skin pigmentation. Stretch marks (striae). Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia). Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis). Prolonged use of this medicine on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, skin folds or underneath airtight dressings may on rare occasions result in enough corticosteroid being absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands.

4. Missed Dose

If you are taking this medication once daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you miss a dose while taking this medication every other day or on another schedule besides a daily one.

5. Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Discard medication that has been frozen. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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