Betamethasone
Betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory and itchy skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response.
A topical corticosteroid that relieves inflammation, itching, and redness associated with various skin conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A07EA04
- RxNorm
- 1514
- Generic
- Betamethasone
- Class
- atc-a07
- Brands
- Gentacalm, Genone, Betavet, Otomax, Enstilar, Sernivo, Del-Beta, Diprolene, Wynzora, Luxiq, Duotic, Osurnia, Celestone Soluspan, Taclonex, GentaVed
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, otic, ophthalmic, oral
- Forms
- gel, ointment, cream, solution, tablet, spray, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.6mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.3mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.6mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible, use lowest effective dose
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring, ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestersingle course may be given for fetal lung maturation
betamethasone course (two doses 24h apart) indicated for preterm labor to accelerate fetal lung maturity
fetal growth monitoring, blood glucose monitoring in mother
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
betamethasone can pass into breast milk, monitor infant for adrenal suppression
monitor infant for signs of adrenal suppression, poor weight gain
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenuse lowest effective dose for shortest duration
avoid prolonged use in children due to growth suppression, monitor growth velocity
regular growth monitoring, adrenal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
increased risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, cataracts; use with caution
bone density monitoring, blood pressure, blood glucose, eye exams
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severemay require dose adjustment in severe impairment
use with caution, monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
renal function monitoring, electrolytes, fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severemay require dose reduction
corticosteroids are metabolized in liver, use with caution in hepatic impairment
liver function tests, adrenal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
First FDA approval
First approval date for betamethasone formulations
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of betamethasone
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications including skin disorders, allergic reactions, and rheumatic conditions
Available brand formulations
Number of branded formulations including Gentacalm, Genone, Betavet, Otomax, Enstilar, Sernivo, Del-Beta, Diprolene, Wynzora, Luxiq, Duotic, Osurnia, Celestone Soluspan, Taclonex, GentaVed
Treats corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses including atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and allergic skin reactions that cause inflammation, itching, and redness.
As a corticosteroid, betamethasone reduces inflammation by suppressing immune cell activity and decreasing the production of inflammatory mediators in the skin, thereby relieving symptoms of redness, itching, and swelling.
For external use only on intact skin; avoid use on open wounds, broken skin, or infected areas. Do not use for prolonged periods or on large body areas without medical supervision as it may cause skin thinning. Not effective for viral, fungal, or bacterial infections alone. Use exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy