Betamethasone eye, ear & nose preparations

About Betamethasone Eye, Ear & Nose preparations

This belongs to the group of medicines known as topical corticosteroids.

Betamethasone is used to treat short-term inflammatory conditions of the eye, ear and nose.

Betamethasone is available in drop form for use in the eye, ear or nose and in ointment form for use in the eye.

It is also sometimes known as: Betnesol; Vista-Methasone. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Betamethasone may also contain an anti-infective ingredient, such as neomycin, to treat or prevent infections in the eye(s). Products available are Betnesol-N; Vista-Methasone N.

Before using Betamethasone Eye, Ear & Nose preparations

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Betamethasone Eye, Ear & Nose preparations

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

EYE DROPS:

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with Betamethasone.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use this preparation in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
10. Wash your hands

EYE OINTMENT:

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with Betamethasone.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower eye lid
6. Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of the eye
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use Betamethasone in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so

EAR DROPS:

If you find it more comfortable, you may warm the ear drops to body temperature (but no higher) by holding the drops in your hand for a few minutes before administering.

1. Clean the ear with warm water and dry thoroughly,
2. Wash your hands well before use
3. Remove the outer cap
4. Lie down, or tilt the head, so that the affected ear is facing upwards
5. Gently pull the earlobe to straighten the ear canal
6. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the ear, try not to touch the inside of the ear
7. Apply enough pressure to the container to release three to four drops
8. Keep the ear facing up for a few minutes to allow the solution to come into contact with the affected area
9. Repeat in the other ear if you have been instructed to use Betamethasone drops in both ears
10. Replace the outer cap on the container
11. Wash your hands

NOSE DROPS:

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt your head back. You may find it easier to rest your head over the back of a chair or the side of a bed
4. Turn the container upside down near to the nostril, try not to touch the inside of the nose
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release 2-3 drops into the nostril
6. Repeat in the other nostril if you have been instructed to use Betamethasone in both nostrils
7. Keep your head tilted back for a short while to allow the drops to run down into your nose and sniff gently
8. Replace the outer cap on the container
9. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Betamethasone preparations are only intended for short-term use.
• Apply Betamethasone exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are using any other eye, ear or nose drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Do not use this preparation more often, or for a longer period than your doctor has directed.
• Betamethasone ointment/drops are for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Betamethasone ointment/drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any Betamethasone, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can Betamethasone Eye, Ear & Nose preparations cause problems?

Betamethasone when used in the eye or ear is unlikely to cause any side effects, except possible stinging or burning when first applied.

Use in the nose can cause dryness and irritation of the nose and throat, mild nose-bleeds, a disturbance of taste and headache.

If any of the symptoms described above become severe or you notice any worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Important: If you experience difficulty breathing, changes in your hearing, vision or sense of smell or you notice a change in the appearance of your eyes, see your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store Betamethasone Eye, Ear & Nose preparations

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard this preparation four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 11/02/2005