Betamethasone

Strong steroid (skin)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Betamethasone is a strong steroid (skin) found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Betnovate, Betnesol, Betnovate-N. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Reduces inflammation and itching in eczema, psoriasis and allergic skin conditions.

How it works

A strong steroid cream or tablet that quickly reduces skin inflammation, redness and itch. Mixed creams with antibiotics or antifungals are heavily misused in India.

How to take it

Apply a thin layer once or twice a day for no more than 1 to 2 weeks; never use on the face, groin or for fungal rashes without a doctor. Tablets as prescribed.

Common side effects

  • Skin thinning
  • Stretch marks
  • Acne
  • Lighter skin patches
  • Worsening of fungal infections (tinea)

Get medical help straight away if

  • Rash spreads after stopping
  • Skin very thin or bruising
  • Mood changes or high sugar with tablets

Be careful

Do not use on the face or on fungal infections, or for long periods; misuse thins the skin.

Other medicines and interactions

Steroid creams can make ringworm much worse and harder to treat.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Short use of creams on small areas is acceptable in pregnancy; avoid on the breasts while breastfeeding.

Brands of Betamethasone (2)

BetnesolBetnovate

Combination medicines that contain Betamethasone (1)

Betnovate-N

Common questions

What is Betamethasone used for?

Reduces inflammation and itching in eczema, psoriasis and allergic skin conditions.

How does Betamethasone work?

A strong steroid cream or tablet that quickly reduces skin inflammation, redness and itch. Mixed creams with antibiotics or antifungals are heavily misused in India.

How should I take Betamethasone?

Apply a thin layer once or twice a day for no more than 1 to 2 weeks; never use on the face, groin or for fungal rashes without a doctor. Tablets as prescribed.

What are the side effects of Betamethasone?

Common: Skin thinning, stretch marks, acne, lighter skin patches, worsening of fungal infections (tinea). Get help straight away for: Rash spreads after stopping, skin very thin or bruising, mood changes or high sugar with tablets.

Does Betamethasone interact with other medicines?

Steroid creams can make ringworm much worse and harder to treat.

Is Betamethasone safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Short use of creams on small areas is acceptable in pregnancy; avoid on the breasts while breastfeeding.

Does Betamethasone need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Betamethasone?

Betnesol, Betnovate, Betnovate-N.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.