What is Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

Betamethasone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Betamethasone topical is used to treat the inflammation caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. The dental paste form of betamethasone is used to treat mouth ulcers.

Betamethasone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to betamethasone.

Before using betamethasone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of skin infection.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether betamethasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of betamethasone topical.

Alphatrex Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs that you may be absorbing betamethasone topical through your skin or gums:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights
• uneven heartbeats
• mood changes
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
• feeling tired

Less serious side effects may include:

• skin redness, burning, itching, or peeling
• thinning of your skin; or
• blistering skin; or
• stretch marks

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alphatrex Interactions

What other drugs affect Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied betamethasone topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use betamethasone topical on sunburned, windburned, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Alphatrex Dosage

How should I take Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Betamethasone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using betamethasone topical to treat a hand condition.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

If you are using the dental paste, apply the medication in a thin layer, just enough to cover the mouth ulcer. The paste may stick better if you dry the mouth ulcer before applying the medication.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with betamethasone topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days. It is important to use betamethasone topical regularly to get the most benefit.

Store betamethasone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of betamethasone topical applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Alphatrex (Betamethasone Topical)?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com