Betricin

Introduction
Betricin belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It is used to relieve swelling, itchiness, and redness of eyes and ears that may be caused due to infection. It reduces the inflammation by stopping the release of substances that cause the inflammation. Never use Betricin if the seal is broken before you use it for the first time. Wash your hands before using it and shake the bottle well before each use. Make sure you remove contact lenses if you wear them and wait for at least 15 minutes before putting them back. You should not discontinue using the medicine unless your doctor tells you so. Stopping the medication before time may allow the bacteria to continue their growth, which may result in return of the infection. It may cause irritation, blurred vision, and bitter taste in your mouth. However, these side effects are usually temporary and resolve with time. If your vision is blurred or you have other changes in sight for a time, do not drive or operate other machines until your vision is clear. Do not use the medicine on your ear if you have a perforated or ruptured eardrum. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult with their doctors before using this medicine.

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Uses of Betricin
Bacterial eye / ear infections
Side effects of Betricin
Common
Application site irritation
How to use Betricin
This medicine is for external use only.Take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye/ear without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid or ear. Wipe off extra liquid.
How Betricin works
Betricin is a steroid. It works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the eye/ear red, swollen and itchy.
What if you forget to take Betricin?
If you miss a dose of Betricin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick Tips
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Do not touch the tip to any surface, or to your eye/ear, to avoid contamination.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms haven’t started to improve within two days of starting treatment, if they get worse during treatment or if you get another eye /ear infection.
Make sure to use within 4 weeks of opening the medication.
If using Betameth Eye/Ear Drops for an eye:
Betameth Eye/Ear Drops can be taken with or without food, but try to have it at same time every day.
Brief Description
Indication
Allergic and inflammatory conditions of the eye, ear & nose.

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Adult Dose
Adults Eye: 1 or 2 drops to each affected eye every 1 or 2 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced. Ear: 2 or 3 drops to each affected ear every 2 or 3 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced. Nose: 2 or 3 drops instilled into each nostril 2 or 3 times daily.

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Child Dose
Children Eye: 1 or 2 drops to each affected eye every 1 or 2 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced. Ear: 2 or 3 drops to each affected ear every 2 or 3 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced. Nose: 2 or 3 drops instilled into each nostril 2 or 3 times daily.

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Contraindication
Hypersensitivity; systemic fungal or acute infections.
Mode of Action
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid with mainly glucocorticoid activity. It prevents and controls inflammation by controlling the rate of protein synthesis, depressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts, and reversing capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilisation.
Precaution
Uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy and lactation. Elderly, regular monitoring of patients on long term therapy, withdraw gradually, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, ocular herpes simplex, infants and children.
Side Effect
Corneal ulcers, raised IOP and reduced visual acuity.
Interaction
Increased hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia with thiazide diuretics. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum conc of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents. Potentially Fatal: Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

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