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Betamethasone
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16- trimethyl-6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| ATC code | A07 C05 D07 D07 H02 R01 R03 S01 S01 S02 S03 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C22H29FO5 |
| Mol. mass | 392.461 |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | hepatic CYP3A4 |
| Half life | 5.6 hours |
| Excretion | ? |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
C(US) |
| Legal status |
℞ Prescription only |
| Routes | oral or topical |
Betamethasone is a moderately potent glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Unlike other drugs with these effects, betamethasone does not cause water retention. It is applied as a topical cream, ointment, foam, lotion or gel to treat itching (e.g. from eczema). Betamethasone sodium phosphate is sometimes prescribed as an intramuscular injection (I.M) for itching from various ailments including allergic reactions to poison ivy and similar plants.
The compound is available as a number of ester derivatives: Dipropionate (branded as Diprosone, Diprolene and others), Sodium Phosphate and Valerate (branded as Betnovate, Celestone and others). In the United States, Betamethasone is mixed with Clotrimazole and sold as Lotrisone.
Contents |
Indications
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used to stimulate fetal lung maturation, and to decrease the incidence and mortality from intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants.
It is also used as a topical cream to relieve skin irritation. The tablet form, available in Japan, eradicates eczematous rash within 24 hours, far more rapidly than the ointment.
0.05% Betamethasone cream appears effective in treating phimosis in boys, and often averts the need for circumcision.
Betamethasone sodium phosphate is used orally and via injection with the same indications as other steroids.
Fetal risk
As it crosses the placenta, which is required for its beneficial effects, it may also be associated with complications, such as hypoglycemia and leucocytosis in newborns exposed in utero.
Notes
External links
- "Betamethasone". safefetus.com.
- "Betamethasone". Pharmacy Services. Medical University of South Carolina.
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Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 20 August 2008, at 20:12.
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