Introduction

Name

• Betamethasone.

Class of drug

• Glucocorticoid.

Description

Chemical name

• (11-beta,16-beta)-9-fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione.

Molecular formula

• C22H29FO5.

Physical properties

• Sterile, white aqueous suspension.
• White tablets.
• Slightly viscous, yellow oily suspension.

Storage requirements

• <25°C.
• Do not store in fridge or freezer.

Uses

Indications

• Anti-inflammatory - potency 8.75 times greater than prednisolone.
• May have role in management of shock Shock.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

Anti-epileptic drugs (phenobarbitone, phenytoin and primidone)

• Metabolism of corticosteroids may be accelerated.

Insulin

• Glucocorticoids may antagonize the effect of insulin.

Acetazolamide, amphotericin and potassium depleting diuretics (frusemide, thiazides)Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

• Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration if NSAIDs used concurrently.
• Concurrent use of corticosteroids increases risk of hypokalemia.

with diagnostic tests

• May increase urine glucose levels.
• May decrease serum T3 and T4 values.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Ramsey I (2017) Small Animal Formulary. 9th edn.