Betamethasone

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory conditions involving the joints, skin conditions, eye conditions, and ear problems. There may be other conditions for which your veterinarian may prescribe this medication.

How does this medicine work?

Betamethasone has anti-inflammatory action by preventing phospholipid release, decreasing eosinophil action and a number of other mechanisms.

How do I give this medication?

Betamethasone may be given by your veterinarian as an injection. It may be given in combination with other drugs in ear ointments, ear drops, or topical spray.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day and try not to miss giving any doses.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.

- DO NOT stop giving this medication without consulting your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet requires a repeat prescription.

- Wash hands after handling the medication.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once. Contact your veterinarian if you miss giving doses two or more days in a row.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture. Once opened, eye drops should not be kept for more than 4 weeks.

Potential side effects

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is diabetic or you think your pet may be pregnant.

- Your pet may experience some stomach upset. Side effects may include excessive thirst, excessive urination, excessive ingestion of food, panting, drowsiness, weakness, hair loss, weight loss, lack of appetite and diarrhoea. If these effects continue and become troublesome, notify your veterinarian.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. The risk of serious drug interactions is low and should be kept in perspective.

- In general, animals receiving betamethasone should not be vaccinated at that time.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.