Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate
Indications
Short-term treatment of steroid responsive
in inflammatory conditions of the eye after clinical exclusion of
bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Non-infected inflammatory
conditions of the ear or nose.
Pharmacology
Corticosteroids bind to the glucocorticoid
receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals, and promoting
anti-inflammatory signals. Betamethasone phosphate has a short duration
of action as it is rapidly hydrolyzed to betamethasone. Corticosteroids
have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are
multiples of what the body naturally produces. Patients taking
corticosteroids should be counselled regarding the risk of
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased
susceptibility to infections.
Dosage & Administration
Eye: 1 or 2 drops to each affected eye every 1 or 2 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced.
Ear: 2 or 3 drops to each affected ear every 2 or 3 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced.
Nose: 2 or 3 drops instilled into each nostril 2 or 3 times daily.
Ear: 2 or 3 drops to each affected ear every 2 or 3 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced.
Nose: 2 or 3 drops instilled into each nostril 2 or 3 times daily.
Interaction
Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted.
Side Effects
Hypersensitivity reactions may occur
leading to irritation, burning, stinging, itching and dermatitis.
Topical corticosteroid use may result in corneal ulceration, increased
intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage, reduced visual
acuity. Intensive or prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may lead
to formation of posterior subcapsular cataracts. In those diseases
causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, corticosteroid therapy may
result in thinning of the globe leading to perforation. Mydriasis,
ptosis and epithelial punctate keratitis have also been reported
following ophthalmic use of corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
There are no adequate and well controlled
studies for pregnant woman. It should not be used extensively in
pregnant woman. There is no information available whether it is secreted
in the milk or not.
Precautions & Warnings
Topical corticosteroids should never be
given for an undiagnosed red eye. Ophthalmic treatment with
corticosteroid preparations should not be repeated or prolonged without
regular review to exclude raised intraocular pressure, cataract
formation or unsuspected infections.
Overdose Effects
Long-term intensive topical use may lead to systemic effects.
Therapeutic Class
Corticosteroid
Storage Conditions
This should be protected from light, store
below 25°C. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use more than 4 weeks
after opening.
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