Always use betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
Dosage
Your dose of betamethasone will depend on why you're using it.
The usual dose for the drops is:
- 1 or 2 eye drops in your eye every 1 or 2 hours – once the redness, itching and soreness improves, you can use it less often
- 2 or 3 drops into your ear every 2 or 3 hours – once the redness, itching and soreness improves, you can use it less often
- 2 or 3 drops into each nostril, 2 or 3 times each day
If you're using betamethasone eye ointment, you'll usually use it 2 or 3 times a day, or once at night if you also use drops during the day.
How to use eye drops
- Wash and dry your hands.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you use the eye drops.
- Tilt your head back.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Place 1 or 2 drops in the gap between your lower lid and eye (squeeze the bottle very gently if necessary).
- Blink a few times to spread out the drops.
- Repeat for your other eye, if treating both eyes.
- Wait 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.
How to use eye ointment
- Wash and dry your hands.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you use the eye ointment.
- Tilt your head back.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Hold the tube with the nozzle close to your eye and gently squeeze the prescribed amount of the ointment into the space between your lower lid and your eye.
- Close your eye for a few minutes, so the ointment can spread.
- Repeat for your other eye, if treating both eyes.
- Wait 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.
Regular eye check-ups
If you use betamethasone for your eyes for several weeks, your doctor may ask you to have regular check-ups. These are to make sure your medicine is working properly and that the dose is right for you.
Your doctor will check your eyes for:
- an increase in pressure
- infection
How to use ear drops
- Tilt your head to one side, with the ear you're treating turned upwards.
- Bring the tube nozzle close to your earhole.
- Gently squeeze 2 or 3 drops into your ear.
- If you can, lie down for a couple of minutes. Keep your head tilted to one side and your treated ear facing the ceiling.
- Repeat for your other ear, if treating both ears.
How to use nose drops
- Blow your nose gently.
- Tilt your head backwards.
- Put the nozzle of the bottle into 1 nostril and gently squeeze out 2 or 3 drops.
- Keep your head tilted and sniff gently to let the drops soak in.
- Repeat for your other nostril if needed.
Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
How long to use it for
Most people only need to use betamethasone drops or ointment for a few days.
However, your doctor may ask you to use it for up to 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your condition.
Once your symptoms are better, your doctor may tell you to reduce your dose slowly before stopping completely.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use your ointment or drops, skip the missed dose and use it as normal next time.
Never use 2 doses at the same time, or use an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.
If you use too much
Using too much betamethasone ointment or drops is unlikely to harm you.
Do not worry if you use more of the drops or ointment by mistake.