Betamethasone is an anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and immunosuppressive agent belonging to the glucocorticoid class. Its pharmacological properties are based on binding to endogenous glucocorticoid receptors. Betamethasone is used for the treatment of allergic, rheumatic, dermatological, and haematological conditions, among others. The medications are administered orally, dermally, topically, and parenterally. Glucocorticoids may predispose to infectious diseases, cause gastric and intestinal ulcers, trigger diabetes, and damage the skin with prolonged treatment. Treatment duration should therefore be kept as short as possible. Betamethasone is a substrate of CYP3A4.
Betamethasone (ATC H02AB01) possesses anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, immunosuppressive, and antiproliferative properties. Its effects are mediated by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm of cells. The resulting complex interacts with DNA. In addition, betamethasone also exerts extragenomic effects. The half-life ranges from 5 to 8 hours.
