Article: Betamethasone

Betamethasone
Systematic (IUPAC) name
9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16- trimethyl-6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
Identifiers
CAS number	378-44-9
ATC code	D07AC01
PubChem	9782
DrugBank	APRD00513
Chemical data
Formula	C22H29FO5
Mol. weight	392.461
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	? (oral)
Metabolism	hepatic Cytochrome P450 3A4
Half life	5.6 hours
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	? (Aust)
Legal status	Prescription drug
Routes	oral or topical

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive abilities, used especially where water retention is undesirable. It is applied as a topical cream, ointment, lotion or gel to treat itching (e.g. from eczema). Synonyms Betamethasone Dipropionate; Betamethasone Dipropionate, Augmented; Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate; Betamethasone Valerate; Flubenisolone

Indications

Corticosteroid used to stimulate fetal lung maturation and to decrease the incidence and mortality from intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants.

Fetal risk

As it crosses the placenta, which is required for its beneficial effects, it may also be associated with complications, such as hypoglycemia and leucocytosis in newborns exposed in utero.