Betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose is used to treat cold-like symptoms caused by allergies. This includes the swelling (inflammation) inside your nose, and redness and irritation in the eyes that can be caused by hay fever and other conditions.
It's also used to treat the inflammation in your outer ear that can be caused by eczema, water or ear plugs.
Betamethasone is a type of medicine called a steroid (or corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are a copy of a substance the body makes naturally. They're not the same as anabolic steroids.
Betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose is available on prescription only, for adults, children and babies aged 1 month old and over.
It comes as an eye ointment or as drops for eyes, ears and nose.
Betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose also comes combined with an antibiotic called neomycin. These drops are used when there's both inflammation and bacterial infection in the eye, nose or ear.
Betamethasone also comes as:
- tablets for many conditions, including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis
- skin treatments for eczema, contact dermatitis and psoriasis
Key facts
- You need to use betamethasone drops and ointment regularly, as advised by your doctor, for them to work
- Betamethasone drops and ointment take a few days to work fully.
- Common side effects include irritation and blurred vision if you're treating your eyes, and sneezing and changes to smell and taste if you're treating your nose.
- Only use a steroid treatment if your doctor prescribes it for you. Do not use someone else's medicine.
- You may get a blue steroid treatment card if your doctor has prescribed a very high dose to control your symptoms. Show this card to your doctor or dentist before any treatment, so they know you're using it. You may also need to carry a red steroid emergency card (for adults), or an adrenal insufficiency card (for children). Ask your pharmacist or doctor about both of these.