Betnova 100 mg/100 gm Ointment

Potent corticosteroid used as:

• Tablets/injection: severe allergic reactions, asthma, rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, skin diseases, and to help the baby's lungs mature before preterm birth (injection, hospital)
• Cream/ointment/lotion 0.1% (valerate) or 0.05% (dipropionate): eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus and other steroid-responsive skin conditions
• Eye/ear/nose drops: inflammation (often with an antibiotic)

Tablets (adults): 0.5–5 mg daily depending on the condition, as a single morning dose with food; reduce to the lowest effective dose.

Injection: 4–20 mg IM/IV as directed by a doctor; antenatal lung maturation: 12 mg IM, two doses 24 hours apart.

Skin (adults and children over 1 year): apply thinly once or twice daily; usually not more than 4 weeks (shorter for the face and in children).

• Do not stop tablets suddenly after more than 3 weeks — taper as advised.

• Untreated systemic, skin, eye or ear infections (fungal, viral — herpes, chickenpox — or tuberculous)
• Skin: acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, nappy rash/infants under 1 year
• Live vaccines during immunosuppressive oral doses
• Allergy to betamethasone

Topical: burning, itching; with prolonged use skin thinning, stretch marks, visible vessels, discolouration, acne, infection; systemic effects with extensive use.

Oral/injection (short term): increased appetite, mood changes, insomnia, raised sugar and blood pressure, indigestion.

Long term: weight gain, Cushingoid features, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cataract, glaucoma, adrenal suppression, infections, peptic ulcer, growth delay in children.

• Do not use skin preparations on the face, groin or armpits for long, or under bandages, unless advised.
• Not for use as a skin-lightening cosmetic.
• Carry a steroid card on long-term tablets; avoid chickenpox/measles contact if not immune.
• Diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer, TB, psychiatric illness: caution.

Antenatal injection is standard to protect preterm babies' lungs. Otherwise use in pregnancy only if needed; topical use on small areas for short periods. Do not apply to the breast while breastfeeding.

• NSAIDs, aspirin (ulcers)
• Diuretics, salbutamol (low potassium)
• Diabetes medicines (higher sugar)
• Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin (reduce effect); ketoconazole, ritonavir (increase effect)
• Warfarin (altered INR)
• Live vaccines

Single overdose rarely serious; long-term excess (including heavy topical use) causes Cushing's features and adrenal suppression. Seek advice.

Store below 30°C, protected from light.