Celestone

Celestone is a drug used in the control of allergies such as in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis and serum sickness. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, exfoliative erythroderma, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, and severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). This drug can also be used in certain endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, blood disorders, cancer, eye diseases, kidney diseases and other systemic illnesses responsive to this drug.

Celestone is available as an oral solution containing betamethasone 0.6 milligram in 5 milliliter.

Instructions

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

Celestone may interact with medications such as:

• Natalizumab
• Aldesleukin
• Mifepristone
• Large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates)
• Birth control pills
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
• Bupropion
• Diabetes medications
• Estrogen hormone replacement
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ibuprofen)
• Drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove betamethasone from your body (such as azole antifungals including ketoconazole, barbiturates including phenobarbital, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, rifamycins including rifampin, certain anti-seizure medications including phenytoin)
• Drugs that may cause potassium loss (e.g., amphotericin B, "water pills" such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide)

Side Effects

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to betamethasone or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
• Untreated active fungal infections
• Bleeding problems
• History of blood clots
• Brittle bones (osteoporosis)
• Diabetes
• Eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye)
• Heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure)
• High blood pressure
• Other infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes, threadworm)
• Kidney disease
• Liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis)
• Mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression)
• Low blood minerals (e.g., low potassium or calcium)
• Stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis)
• Thyroid problems
• Pregnancy or lactation