What is betamethasone topical?
Betamethasone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that
cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Betamethasone topical is used to treat the inflammation caused by a number of conditions
such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. The dental paste form of betamethasone is used
to treat mouth ulcers.
Betamethasone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking betamethasone topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to betamethasone.
Before using betamethasone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if
you have any type of skin infection.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether betamethasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could
harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more
sensitive to the effects of betamethasone topical.
How should I take betamethasone topical?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Betamethasone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using betamethasone
topical to treat a hand condition.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.
Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas
where you have skin folds or thin skin.
If you are using the dental paste, apply the medication in a thin layer, just enough to cover
the mouth ulcer. The paste may stick better if you dry the mouth ulcer before applying the
medication.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor
has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or
tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with betamethasone topical can increase the
amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using
this medication for several days. It is important to use betamethasone topical regularly to get the
most benefit.
Store betamethasone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of betamethasone topical?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about betamethasone topical?
Your pharmacist has information about betamethasone topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of betamethasone topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs
that you may be absorbing betamethasone topical through your skin or gums:
-
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
-
uneven heartbeats;
-
mood changes;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
-
weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
-
feeling tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
skin redness, burning, itching, or peeling;
-
thinning of your skin; or
-
blistering skin; or
-
stretch marks.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about betamethasone topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor
has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or
tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with betamethasone topical can increase the
amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you
have skin folds or thin skin.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more
sensitive to the effects of betamethasone topical.
Betamethasone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using
this medication for several days.
What should I avoid while taking betamethasone topical?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it
does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use betamethasone topical on
sunburned, windburned, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in open
wounds.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or
skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products
with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your
doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect betamethasone topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically
applied betamethasone topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor
about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of betamethasone topical?