Betamethasone Topical

Betamethasone topical is among corticosteroids drug class which is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions, including psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) and eczema (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Betamethasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

How should Betamethasone be used?

Betamethasone comes in ointment, cream, lotion, gel, and aerosol (spray) in various strengths for use on the skin and as a foam to apply to the scalp. It is usually applied once or twice daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use betamethasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or use it to treat other skin conditions unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Your skin condition should improve during the first 2 weeks of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time.

To use betamethasone topical, apply a small amount of ointment, cream, solution, gel, or lotion to cover the affected area of skin with a thin even film and rub it in gently.

To use the foam on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small amount of the medicine on the affected area, and rub it in gently. You may wash your hair as usual but not right after applying the medicine.

Betamethasone foam may catch fire. Stay away from open fire, flames, and do not smoke while you are applying betamethasone foam, and for a short time afterward.

This medication is only for use on the skin. Do not let betamethasone topical get into your eyes or mouth and do not swallow it. Avoid use in the genital and rectal areas and in skin creases and armpits unless directed by your doctor.

If you are using betamethasone on a child’s diaper area, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Such use may increase side effects.

Do not apply other skin preparations or products on the treated area without talking with your doctor.

Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should. Such use may increase side effects.

Call your doctor if the treated area gets worse or if burning, swelling, redness, or oozing of pus develops.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using betamethasone,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to betamethasone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in betamethasone topical products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the following: other corticosteroid medications and other topical medications.

tell your doctor if you have an infection or have ever had diabetes, liver disease, or Cushing’s syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]). .

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using betamethasone topical, call your doctor immediately.

if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using betamethasone topical.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Betamethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

burning, itching, irritation, stinging, redness, or dryness of the skin

acne

unwanted hair growth

skin color changes

bruising or shiny skin

tiny red bumps or rash around the mouth

small white or red bumps on the skin

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

severe rash

redness, swelling, or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied betamethasone


Children who use betamethasone topical may have an increased risk of side effects including slowed growth and delayed weight gain. Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of applying this medication to your child’s skin.

Betamethasone topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to betamethasone.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline as capsule, ointment or injection is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; ; certain infections of skin, eye, lymphatic, intestinal, genital and urinary systems; and certain other infections that are spread by ticks, lice, mites, and infected animals.

It is also used along with other medications to treat acne. Tetracycline is also used to treat plague and tuleramia (serious infections that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack).

It can also be used in patients who cannot be treated with penicillin to treat certain types of food poisoning, and anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack).

Tetracycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria.

Antibiotics such as tetracycline will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

How should Tetracycline be used?

Tetracycline comes as a capsule to take by mouth or as an ointment cream. It is usually taken two or four times daily.

Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals or snacks. Drink a full glass of water with each dose of tetracycline. Do not take tetracycline with food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tetracycline exactly as directed.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Tetracycline is also sometimes used to treat Lyme disease and malaria, and to prevent plague and tularemia in people who have been exposed to plague or tularemia germs.

Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking tetracycline,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if:

You are allergic to tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, demeclocycline, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the tetracycline capsule.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), and penicillin.

Be aware that antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, or sodium bicarbonate, calcium supplements, zinc products, iron products, and laxatives containing magnesium interfere with tetracycline, making it less effective.

Take tetracycline 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, calcium supplements, zinc products, and laxatives containing magnesium. Take tetracycline 2 hours before or 4 hours after iron preparations and vitamin products that contain iron. Take tetracycline 2 hours before or after zinc containing products.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had lupus (condition in which the immune system attacks many tissues and organs including the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys), or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking tetracycline, call your doctor immediately. Tetracycline can harm the fetus.

Tetracycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Tell your doctor right away if you get a sunburn.

You should know that when tetracycline is used during pregnancy or in babies or children up to age 8, it can cause the teeth to become permanently stained. Tetracycline should not be used in children under age 8 unless your doctor decides it is needed.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Tetracycline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
itching of the rectum or vagina
swollen tongue
black or hairy tongue
sore or irritated throat
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
headache
blurred vision, seeing double, or loss of vision
skin rash
hives
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
difficulty breathing or swallowing
joint stiffness or swelling
unusual bleeding or bruising
chest pain
a return of fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
watery or bloody stools , stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment

Tetracycline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to tetracycline.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking tetracycline.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the tetracycline, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you