Bet-A 0.5mg Tablet 1 Strip

Bet-A is a corticosteroid medication used to manage a variety of inflammatory and allergic conditions. It is commonly prescribed for:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid carditis
• Severe allergic and hypersensitivity reactions
• Bronchial asthma
• Inflammatory skin disorders
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Inflammatory conditions affecting the ears, eyes, nose, and oral cavity, including ulcerative lesions

Use only under the guidance of a registered physician.

Treatment should be individualized, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Adults

• Typical dosage range: 0.5–5 mg daily
• The exact dose depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and the patient's response.

Short-Term Therapy

• Usually 2–3 mg daily for several days
• The dose is then gradually reduced by 0.25–0.5 mg every 2–5 days according to clinical response

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Generally 0.5–2 mg daily
• Maintenance treatment should use the minimum effective dose

Children

• Doses are adjusted according to age and clinical condition:
  • Approximately 75% of the adult dose at 12 years
  • Approximately 50% at 7 years
  • Approximately 25% at 1 year

Elderly Patients
Older adults may be more vulnerable to steroid-related complications; therefore, careful monitoring is recommended.

Drug Interactions
Betamethasone may interact with:

• Anticholinesterase medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

The effectiveness of Bet-A may be reduced by drugs that increase corticosteroid metabolism, including:

• Rifampicin
• Rifabutin
• Carbamazepine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Aminoglutethimide
• Ephedrine

Contraindications
Bet-A should not be used in:

• Patients with untreated systemic infections unless appropriate anti-infective therapy is provided
• Individuals with known hypersensitivity to betamethasone or any component of the formulation

Side Effects
Possible adverse effects include:

• Increased blood sugar levels or diabetes
• Osteoporosis (especially in elderly patients)
• Muscle weakness and wasting (proximal myopathy)
• Menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea)
• Weight gain

Long-term or high-dose therapy may cause features of Cushing’s syndrome, such as:

• Moon-shaped face
• Stretch marks (striae)
• Acne

These effects generally improve after discontinuation of treatment.

In children, prolonged corticosteroid therapy may slow growth and development.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy Category C: Use during pregnancy only when the expected benefit outweighs potential risks to the fetus.
• There is insufficient information regarding its safety during breastfeeding; medical advice should be sought before use.

Precautions & Warnings
Bet-A should be used cautiously in patients with:

• Recent heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Hypothyroidism
• Osteoporosis
• High blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Current or previous tuberculosis
• Glaucoma or family history of glaucoma
• Previous steroid-induced muscle disorders
• Liver impairment
• Kidney dysfunction
• Epilepsy
• Peptic ulcer disease

Regular medical supervision is important during treatment, especially with long-term use.

Therapeutic Class
Corticosteroid

Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.