Betamethasone (Diprolene) Administration
Oral Administration
- Administer with meals to minimize indigestion or GI irritation. If given once daily, administer in the morning to coincide with the body’s normal cortisol secretion.
Parenteral Administration
- Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
- If coadministration of a local anesthetic is desired, do not use anesthetics containing preservatives (i.e., parabens or phenol) because these agents are incompatible with betamethasone. Do not inject the anesthetic into the vial containing betamethasone; withdraw betamethasone into a syringe, then draw the local anesthetic into the same syringe and shake briefly.
Direct intravenous injection:
- Use only betamethasone phosphate.
- Administer directly into a vein over at least 1 minute.
Intermittent intravenous infusion:
- Use only betamethasone phosphate.
- Dilute in D5W, NS, D5R, D5LR, or Ringer’s injection. Infuse at a rate prescribed by the physician.
Intramuscular injection:
- Inject deeply into the gluteal muscle to prevent local tissue atrophy. Rotate sites of injection.
Intra-articular, intra-bursal, intradermal, or intralesional injection:
- Administration of betamethasone via these routes require specialized techniques. Only clinicians familiar with these methods of administration and with management of potential complications should administer betamethasone by these routes.
Topical Administration
- Betamethasone benzoate, dipropionate, and valerate are used topically.
- Betamethasone should not be used with occlusive dressings. Instruct patients not to bandage, cover, or wrap area in any way that may be occlusive.
- Aerosol: Spray an area about the size of the patient’s hand from a distance of about 15 cm.
- Scalp foam: Invert can and dispense a small amount of foam onto a saucer or other cool surface. Do not dispense directly onto hands because foam will begin to melt immediately upon contact with warm skin. Pick up small amounts of foam with fingers and gently massage into affected area until foam disappears. Repeat until entire affected scalp area is treated.
- Lotion, cream, gel, or ointment: Using gloves, apply sparingly in a thin film and rub gently into the cleansed, slightly moist affected area.
[ Last revised: 1/12/2004 11:56:00 AM ]
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