Betanosol-N Ointment

Corticosteroid + antibiotic combination for:

• Cream/ointment: inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis) where secondary bacterial infection is present or likely
• Eye/ear/nose drops: inflammatory conditions of the eye (non-infected or with bacterial infection), outer ear inflammation (otitis externa), nasal inflammation with infection

Cream/ointment: apply thinly 1–2 times daily for up to 7 days; do not use on large areas.

Eye drops: 1–2 drops up to every 1–2 hours initially, then reduce to 3–4 times daily as it improves.

Ear drops: 2–3 drops 3–4 times daily.

Nasal drops: 2–3 drops in each nostril 2–3 times daily.

• Do not use for more than 7 days without review (risk of resistance, steroid side effects, and neomycin sensitivity).
• Children: use sparingly and for shorter periods; avoid in infants.

• Untreated fungal, viral (herpes, chickenpox, shingles) or tuberculous infections of the skin or eye
• Acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis
• Eye: herpes simplex keratitis, fungal eye disease, glaucoma (relative)
• Ear: perforated eardrum (risk of deafness from neomycin)
• Allergy to neomycin or other aminoglycosides

Topical: burning, itching, allergic contact dermatitis to neomycin (worsening redness and itching).

Prolonged use: skin thinning, stretch marks, discolouration, secondary fungal infection; adrenal suppression with extensive use.

Eye: raised eye pressure (glaucoma), cataract, delayed healing, secondary infection with prolonged use.

Rare: hearing damage if neomycin is absorbed (large broken skin areas or perforated eardrum).

• Eye drops beyond 1 week need monitoring of eye pressure by a doctor.
• A red, painful eye with reduced vision should be examined first.
• Avoid on the face, groin and armpits for long periods.
• Remove contact lenses during treatment.

Use in pregnancy only if needed, for short periods on small areas. Do not apply to the breasts while breastfeeding.

• Other aminoglycosides or ototoxic drugs (if absorbed — additive ear/kidney toxicity)
• Ritonavir, itraconazole (systemic steroid effects with extensive use)

Long-term overuse may cause steroid side effects; neomycin absorption may affect hearing and kidneys. Stop and seek advice.

Store below 25–30°C. Eye/ear drops: discard 4 weeks after opening.