Betamethasone | Drug Overview & Clinical Reference
Betamethasone
Clinical safety rating: safe
Positive evidence of fetus risks but benefits may outweigh risks in some cases
How it works
Mechanism information is still being processed. Check the DailyMed link in the sidebar for the official prescribing information.
Dosing & administration
Dosing varies by indication and patient profile. Always follow your institution's current prescribing guidelines.
Renal impairment
Consult protocols for adjustment.
Liver impairment
Consult protocols for adjustment.
Use during pregnancy
1st trimester
Not indicated.
2nd trimester
Indicated from 24 weeks if preterm birth is anticipated within 7 days.
3rd trimester
Indicated up to 36 6/7 weeks. A late preterm course (34 0/7–36 6/7 weeks) reduces respiratory morbidity for singleton pregnancies.
Clinical note
Standard of care for fetal lung maturation in anticipated preterm delivery between 24 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation. A single course of betamethasone (two IM doses of 12 mg given 24 hours apart) reduces rates of RDS, IVH, NEC, and neonatal death. Penetrates the placenta without inactivation by 11β-HSD2 (unlike prednisone). Repeat courses are not recommended routinely due to potential effects on fetal brain and growth.
Breastfeeding
Not applicable. Used only as a short-course IM injection in the antepartum period.
