Betnelan

What is it?

A corticosteroid, glucocorticoid preparation, comprising 0.5mg of betamethasone in each scored, white tablet. Tablets are marked with name and EVANS.

Medical Uses

Allergies, serious asthma, inflammatory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, collagen disorders.

Dosage

Children and adults over 12 years; 0.5mg to 5mg each day, using minimum effective dose for maintenance. Children aged 1 to 7 years; one quarter to half the adult dose; aged 7 to 12 years; half to three-quarters the adult dose.

Special Care

Elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients with tuberculosis, fungal, viral and other infections, amoebiasis. Patients should endeavour to avoid possible infection with chickenpox or herpes zoster virus; in the event of exposure or infection, special treatment is required. Also, many inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, kidney and liver disorders, heart failure and heart disease, thyroid disorders, myasthenia gravis, thrombophlebitis, osteoporosis, secondary tumours, high blood pressure, glaucoma, cerebral malaria, previous steroid damage. Also, stress diabetes, epilepsy, psychotic disorders. Patients require close monitoring and drug use should be limited in time and dosage.

Avoid Use

Infants under 1 year, patients with systemic fungal infections, unless receiving particular treatment.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Amphotericin, acetazolamide, cyclosporin, azole anti- fungal drugs, methotrexate, live vaccines, carbenoxolone, salicylates, NSAIDs. Also, diuretics, anticholinesterases, rifampicin, hypoglycaemics, antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides, oestrogens, oral anticoagulants, rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, rifabutin, ephedrine, primidone, aminoglutethimide.

Known Side Effects

Depending upon dose and duration of treatment, can include a range of systemic steroid effects: fluid retention, osteoporosis, cushingoid changes, suppression of growth in children, hyperglycaemia, electrolyte imbalances, thinning of skin and skin reactions, high blood pressure, mood changes, depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle weakness, effects on bones, central nervous system effects, changes in sperm motility (ability to swim), reduction in wound healing, peptic ulcers.