Indications And Usage

Allergic States, Dermatologic Diseases. Endocrine Disorders, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hematologic Disorders, Miscellaneous, Neoplastic Diseases, Nervous System, Ophthalmic Diseases, Renal Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, Rheumatic Disorders

Administration

Infants up to 1 year may be given 1mg betamethasone intravenously; children aged 1 to 5 years, 2mg; 6 to 12 years, 4mg (1ml). This dose can be repeated three or four times in 24 hours, depending upon the condition being treated and the patient's response

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients, Systemic infections, unless specific anti-infective therapy is employed, Betamethasone Injection contains sodium metabisulphite (0.1% w/v) as a preservative and therefore should not be used to treat patients with known hypersensitivity to bisulphite, metabisulphite. Betamethasone Injection should not be injected directly into tendons.

Precautions

Osteoporosis (post-menopausal females are particularly at risk), Hypertension or congestive heart failure, Existing or previous history of severe affective disorders (especially previous steroid psychosis), Diabetes mellitus (or a family history of diabetes), History of, or active, tuberculosis, Glaucoma (or a family history of glaucoma), Previous corticosteroid-induced myopathy, Liver failure - blood levels of corticosteroid may be increased, as with other drugs which are metabolised in the liver, Renal insufficiency, Epilepsy, History of, or active, peptic ulceration, Herpes simplex keratitis,  Diverticulitis, Thromboembolic tendencies.

Adverse Reactions

Increased blood sugar level. Trembling, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and fast heartbeat. Low potassium level, which can cause muscle pain and cramps. Skin changes. Signs of infection. Mood and behavior changes.Menstrual changes, such as spotting or skipping a period.Vision changes, including blurred vision.Headaches

Weight gain. Sweating.Restlessness.Nausea

Pregnancy and lactation

Studies have shown a higher rate of palates when steroids are given to pregnant animals. However, there are no adequate studies to tell us whether this occurs in humans. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Renal and liver Impairment

blood levels of corticosteroid may be increased, as with other drugs which are metabolised in the liver.

Renal insufficiency.

Laboratory Tests