Indications & Uses
Betnelan is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Corticosteroids work by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, which switches off pro-inflammatory signals while switching on anti-inflammatory ones. Betamethasone phosphate acts only briefly, since the body quickly converts it to betamethasone. Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window: doses may need to be many times higher than what the body normally produces on its own. Anyone taking a corticosteroid should be counselled about the risk of suppressing the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and about becoming more prone to infections.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
The lowest dosage that produces an acceptable result should be used.
Adult Dosage: The usual range is 0.5 to 5 mg daily. The dose depends on the disease, its severity, and the clinical response obtained. The following regimens are for guidance only, and divided dosing is usually employed.
Short term treatment: 2 to 3 mg daily for the first few days, then the daily dosage is reduced by 0.25 or 0.50 mg every two to five days, depending on the response.
Rheumatoid arthritis: 0.5 to 2 mg daily. For maintenance therapy, the lowest effective dosage is used.
Child Dosage: A proportion of the adult dosage may be used (for example, 75% at twelve years, 50% at seven years, and 25% at one year), but clinical factors must be given due consideration. Or as directed by the physician.
Use in the elderly: The common adverse effects of systemic corticosteroids may carry more serious consequences in old age, so close clinical supervision is required to avoid life threatening reactions.
Side Effects
Side effects can include diabetes and osteoporosis (a particular concern in older adults), as well as muscle wasting affecting the muscles closest to the trunk (proximal myopathy), loss of menstrual periods, and weight gain. Taking high doses of corticosteroids can lead to Cushing's syndrome, marked by a rounded "moon" face, stretch marks, and acne; this generally resolves once treatment is stopped. In children, corticosteroids may slow growth.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Particular caution is needed when using systemic corticosteroids in patients who have had a recent heart attack, or who have an underactive thyroid, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, a history of active tuberculosis, glaucoma (or a family history of it), previous corticosteroid-induced muscle weakness, liver failure, impaired kidney function, epilepsy, or peptic ulcers.
Contraindications
Systemic infections not being actively treated with anti-infectives. Do not use if you are hypersensitive to any ingredient in these tablets.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit is judged to outweigh the potential risk to the unborn baby. Safety data for breastfeeding mothers is not available.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Betnelan 500 mcg
What is Betnelan 500 mcg Tablet?
Betnelan 500 mcg Tablet is a medicine that contains Betamethasone. It is made by GlaxoSmithKline Bangladesh Ltd. It belongs to the Corticosteroid group of medicines.
What is Betnelan used for?
Betnelan is used for: Asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Allergy.
What are the side effects of Betnelan?
Side effects can include diabetes and osteoporosis (a particular concern in older adults), as well as muscle wasting affecting the muscles closest to the trunk (proximal myopathy), loss of menstrual periods, and weight gain. Taking high doses of corticosteroids can lead to Cushing's syndrome, marked by a rounded "moon" face, stretch marks, and acne; this generally resolves once treatment is stopped.
Can I take Betnelan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit is judged to outweigh the potential risk to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Betnelan?
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Betnelan?
Some medicines can interact with Betamethasone, for example: Betamethasone + Neomycin Sulphate, Carbamazepine, Rifampicin, Phenobarbitone, Primidone, Phenytoin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Betnelan?
Betnelan is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.