Betamethasone is used to help relieve inflammation of the eye.
Use Betamethasone in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as eye drops or eye ointment.
To use the eye drop solution:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for a few seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Repeat steps to administer your dose into the other eye if required.
- After each use, wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap of the bottle.
To use the eye ointment:
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment (about 1/4 inch) into the pouch.
- Gently close your eyes.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper or ointment tube to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surface. Recap it immediately after use. If the eye drop or ointment tube becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
Do not share your eye drop or ointment with anyone else.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- any bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the eye
- eye infection that produces discharge
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- unexplained red eye
as Betamethasone may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Betamethasone to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Some brands of Betamethasone contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
For as long as you are using Betamethasone, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
Betamethasone may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: drooping of the eyelid, dilation of the pupil, and swelling or redness of the outer surface of the eye.
This medicine may also cause certain reactions such as irritation, tingling or stinging sensation, and itching. These reactions may not appear until some time after you have started using the drops or ointment.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- clouding of the eye lens
- pain in the eyes, blurred vision that does not improve after a few minutes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking cobicistat (medicine for HIV infection).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store the eye ointment in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Store the eye drops below 25°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Throw away any remaining solution 28 days after opening. Mark the date of opening on the bottle or tube so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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