Bet-A 20g

INDICATIONS
Suppression of inflammatory and allergic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid carditis, severe hypersensitivity reactions, bronchial asthma, inflammatory skin disorders; congenital adrenal hyperplasia; ear, eye, nose and oral ulceration.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The lowest dosage that will produce an acceptable result should be used.
Adult Dosage :
Usual range 0.5–5 mg daily.
The dose used will depend upon the disease, its severity, and the clinical response obtained. The
following regimens are for guidance only. Divided dosage is usually employed.
Short-term treatment : 2 to 3 mg daily for the first few days, subsequently reducing the daily
dosage by 0.25 or 0.50 mg every two to five days, depending upon the response.
Rheumatoid arthritis : 0.5 to 2 mg daily. For maintenance therapy the lowest effective dosage is
used.
Child Dosage :
A proportion of the adult dosage may be used (e.g. 75% at twelve years, 50% at seven years and
25% at one year) but clinical factors must be given due consideration.
OR AS DIRECTED BY THE PHYSICIAN.

SIDE-EFFECTS
Side effects include diabetes, osteoporosis (which is a danger in elderly), muscle wasting (proximal
myopathy), amenorrhoea and weight gain. High doses of corticosteroids can cause cushing’s
syndrome-with moon face, striae, and acne; it is usually reversible on withdrawal of treatment. In
children, administration of corticosteroids may result in suppression of growth.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Systemic infections, unless specific anti-infective therapy is employed.
Hypersensitivity to any component of the tablets.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Particular care is required when considering the use of systemic corticosteroids in patients with
recent myocardial infarction, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, hypertension or congestive heart
failure, diabetes mellitus, history of active tuberculosis, glaucoma (or a family history of glaucoma),
previous corticosteroid-induced myopathy, liver failure, renal insufficiency, epilepsy and peptic
ulcer.

USE IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
Pregnancy category : C.
It should be given only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
No data is available for lactating mother.
USE IN THE ELDERLY
The common adverse effects of systemic corticosteroids may be associated with more serious
consequences in old age. Close clinical supervision is required to avoid life-threatening reactions