Betamil-GM

Composition of Betamil-GM

Betamil-GM contains Betamethasone (0.05% w/w) + Gentamicin (0.1% w/w) + Miconazole (2% w/w). It belongs to the Systemic corticosteroid, Antibacterial agent and Antifungal class of medicines.

Uses of Betamil-GM

Treatment of Skin infections

Key benefits

• In Treatment of Skin infections Betamil GM Cream is a combination of medicines used to treat skin infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. It works by killing and stopping the growth of infection causing microorganisms
• thereby clearing the infection and relieving the symptoms. It also blocks the release of chemicals that cause symptoms such as itching
• redness and swelling. Therefore this medicine relieves the inflammation due to these infections. You should use this medicine for as long as it is prescribed
• even if your symptoms disappear
• otherwise they may come back. Depending on the type of infection you are treating
• this may be several weeks. Even after your infection is completely cured
• you may have to apply it occasionally to prevent the symptoms from returning.

How Betamil-GM works

Betamil GM Cream is a combination of three medicines: Betamethasone, Gentamicin and Miconazole, which treats skin infections. Betamethasone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the skin red, swollen and itchy. Gentamicin is an antibiotic which stops the growth of bacteria while Miconazole is an antifungal which stops the growth of fungi on the skin. Together, they treat your skin infection effectively.

How to take Betamil-GM

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Betamil GM Cream, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, bone thinning and suppression of the body's own steroid production when it is taken over a prolonged period. It can cause vomiting, severe loose motions and nerve symptoms. It is unlikely from skin use; swallowing the preparation may cause stomach upset. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Betamil-GM

Most side effects of Betamil-GM are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Betamil-GM

Warnings and precautions

Never stop a course of more than a few days suddenly. Your body stops making its own steroid while you take these, and abrupt withdrawal can cause a dangerous collapse. Your doctor will taper the dose. Tell any doctor treating you that you take steroids, and say so urgently if you develop a serious infection, injury or need surgery — you may need a higher dose to cope. Steroids raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes, monitor it more closely during a course. Long-term use thins bones, raises the risk of infection, cataract and glaucoma. Your doctor will monitor and may add bone protection. Chickenpox and measles can be severe in people on steroids — seek advice promptly after any contact. Finish the whole course even after you feel better. Do not drink any alcohol while taking metronidazole, ornidazole or tinidazole, or for the period after the course that your doctor states — the combination causes severe flushing, vomiting and a racing heart. Report severe or watery loose motions during or after the course rather than treating them yourself. Tetracyclines stain developing teeth and are avoided in young children and in pregnancy. Antibiotics do not work against colds, flu or most sore throats, which are caused by viruses. Keep applying for the full period your doctor stated, usually two to four weeks, and for a week or two after the rash has cleared. Stopping when it looks better is why ringworm keeps coming back. Apply a little beyond the visible edge of the patch — the fungus extends further than the redness. Do not use a combination cream containing a steroid on a fungal infection unless a doctor has specifically prescribed it. The steroid calms the redness while the fungus spreads underneath. See a doctor if the rash covers a large area, involves the scalp or nails, or has not improved in two weeks — these usually need tablets as well.

Do not take Betamil-GM if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an untreated systemic infection, except where the steroid is part of the treatment. For external use only. Not for use in the eyes.

Interactions with other medicines

Anti-inflammatory painkillers together with steroids markedly raise the risk of stomach bleeding. Live vaccines are generally avoided during significant steroid treatment. Antacids, iron, zinc and calcium reduce the absorption of tetracyclines — separate them by a couple of hours. Tell your doctor if you take a blood thinner. No significant interactions are expected from preparations used on the skin.

How to store Betamil-GM

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Betamil-GM

Betamil GM Cream helps treat skin infections. It is for use on skin only. Do not use it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Rinse with cold water if you accidentally get it in these areas. Don't cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages unless directed by a doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects. If you think the area of skin you are treating has become more irritated, you should stop using Betamil GM Cream and consult your doctor. Don't use this medicine more often or for longer than advised by your doctor. Inform your doctor if the treated skin area does not improve after 1 week of treatment.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

P&G

Therapeutic class:

DERMA

Drug class:

Systemic corticosteroid, Antibacterial agent and Antifungal