Like all medicines, betamethasone drops and ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. There are generally no side effects that affect the ear.
Common side effects
These are some of the common side effects of betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Irritation, burning, stinging and itching in your eye
If you get these symptoms after using your eye drops or ointment, they should go after a few minutes as your eye gets used to the medicine. If they continue, stop using the eye drops or ointment and tell your doctor.
Blurred or cloudy vision
You may get some blurred or cloudy vision straight after putting the drops or ointment in your eye. If your sight does not go back to normal after a few minutes, or you think your sight is slowly getting worse, stop using the eye drops or ointment and tell your doctor.
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you have blurred or cloudy vision.
Sneezing, blocked, irritated or dry nose
These symptoms usually settle down as you get used to the medicine. Stop using your nose drops for a few days, then start again. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects do not go away.
Nosebleeds
If you have nosebleeds, stop using betamethasone nose drops for a few days then start again. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if this continues.
Headache
Try to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink alcohol as it can make you feel worse. Talk to your doctor if the headaches do not go away or are severe.
Feeling dizzy
If you feel dizzy, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you feel this way. Do not drink alcohol as it can make you feel worse.
If the dizziness does not go away after a couple of hours ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Changes in your sense of smell and taste
Rinse your mouth with water or have a drink of water.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
If your doctor has prescribed high doses of betamethasone, or you're also taking other steroid medicines or tablets for fungal infections or HIV, you may get underactive adrenal glands as a side effect. Ask your doctor if you need to carry a red steroid emergency card (for adults), or an adrenal insufficiency card if the treatment is for a child.
Call your doctor or call 111 now if you have side effects such as:
- problems with your sight such as blurred or cloudy vision that does not improve or gets worse – these can be signs of increased pressure in your eyes (glaucoma) or a cataract
- pain in your eye – this could be a sign of an ulcer on the surface of your eye
- problems with your breathing
- damage to your nose or sores inside your nose
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.