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Technical details about Betamethasone, learn more about the structure, uses, toxicity, action, side effects and more

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2D Structure
1. Also known as: 378-44-9, Betadexamethasone, Flubenisolone, Celestene, Rinderon, Visubeta
Molecular Formula
C22H29FO5
Molecular Weight
392.5  g/mol
InChI Key
UREBDLICKHMUKA-DVTGEIKXSA-N
FDA UNII
9842X06Q6M

A glucocorticoid given orally, parenterally, by local injection, by inhalation, or applied topically in the management of various disorders in which corticosteroids are indicated. Its lack of mineralocorticoid properties makes betamethasone particularly suitable for treating cerebral edema and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p724)
Betamethasone is a Corticosteroid. The mechanism of action of betamethasone is as a Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonist.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
(8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,16S,17R)-9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C22H29FO5/c1-12-8-16-15-5-4-13-9-14(25)6-7-19(13,2)21(15,23)17(26)10-20(16,3)22(12,28)18(27)11-24/h6-7,9,12,15-17,24,26,28H,4-5,8,10-11H2,1-3H3/t12-,15-,16-,17-,19-,20-,21-,22-/m0/s1
2.1.3 InChI Key
UREBDLICKHMUKA-DVTGEIKXSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CC1CC2C3CCC4=CC(=O)C=CC4(C3(C(CC2(C1(C(=O)CO)O)C)O)F)C
2.1.5 Isomeric SMILES
C[C@H]1C[C@H]2[C@@H]3CCC4=CC(=O)C=C[C@@]4([C@]3([C@H](C[C@@]2([C@]1(C(=O)CO)O)C)O)F)C
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
9842X06Q6M
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Betadexamethasone

2. Celeston

3. Celestona

4. Celestone

5. Cellestoderm

6. Flubenisolone

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 378-44-9

2. Betadexamethasone

3. Flubenisolone

4. Celestene

5. Rinderon

6. Visubeta

7. Betamethazone

8. Becort

9. Desacort-beta

10. Betacorlan

11. Betacortril

12. Betamamallet

13. Betametasone

14. Betapredol

15. Betasolon

16. Betnelan

17. Betsolan

18. Methazon

19. Bedifos

20. Cidoten

21. Celestone

22. Beta-methasone

23. Rinderon A

24. Beta-methasone Alcohol

25. Betametasona

26. Betamethasonum

27. Sch 4831

28. Bebate

29. 9alpha-fluoro-16beta-methylprednisolone

30. Nsc-39470

31. 9-fluoro-16beta-methylprednisolone

32. Sch-4831

33. Betamethasone (celestone)

34. 9-fluoro-11beta,17,21-trihydroxy-16beta-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

35. Betamethasone Cream

36. Mls000859943

37. Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 9-fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methyl-, (11.beta.,16.beta.)-

38. Chebi:3077

39. Betamethasone Alcohol

40. Betametasone [dcit]

41. Ncs-39470

42. 9842x06q6m

43. (8s,9r,10s,11s,13s,14s,16s,17r)-9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one

44. Ncgc00164401-01

45. Smr000058601

46. Celestone Syrup And Tablets

47. Betametasona [inn-spanish]

48. Betamethasonum [inn-latin]

49. Dsstox_cid_2667

50. 9a-fluoro-11b,17a,21-trihydroxy-16b-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

51. 16beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-9alpha-fluoro-11beta,17alpha,21-triol-3,20-dione

52. Dsstox_rid_76681

53. Dsstox_gsid_22667

54. (8s,9r,10s,11s,13s,14s,16s,17r)-9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-3h-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one

55. .beta.-methasone

56. 9-fluoro-16.beta.-methylprednisolone

57. (11beta,16beta)-9-fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

58. Rinderon (tn)

59. .beta.-methasone Alcohol

60. 9.alpha.-fluoro-16.beta.-methylprednisolone

61. 9-alpha-fluoro-16-beta-methylprednisolone

62. Hsdb 3015

63. Einecs 206-825-4

64. Mfcd00062969

65. Nsc 39470

66. Prednisolone, 9-fluoro-16beta-methyl-

67. Brn 3176546

68. Nsc39470

69. Unii-9842x06q6m

70. Desacort-.beta.

71. .beta.-corlan

72. 9alpha-fluoro-11beta,17alpha,21-trihydroxy-16beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione

73. Ncgc00091019-08

74. Cas-378-44-9

75. Prestwick_703

76. Prednisolone, 9-fluoro-16.beta.-methyl-

77. 9-fluoro-11-beta,17,21-trihydroxy-16-beta-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

78. Flosteron

79. Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 9-fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methyl-, (11beta,16beta)-

80. Betamethasone, Topical

81. Betamethasone [usan:usp:inn:ban:jan]

82. Corticosterone, 1-dehydro-9-fluoro-17-hydroxy-16beta-methyl-

83. Betamethasone, >=98%

84. Prestwick0_000362

85. Prestwick1_000362

86. Prestwick2_000362

87. Prestwick3_000362

88. Betamethasone [mi]

89. Chembl632

90. Betamethasone [inn]

91. Betamethasone [jan]

92. Ec 206-825-4

93. Cid_9782

94. Schembl4565

95. 16-beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-9-alpha-fluoro-11-beta,17-alpha,21-triol-3,20-dione

96. 9-alpha-fluoro-16-beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-11-beta,17-alpha,21-triol-3,20-dione

97. Betamethasone [usan]

98. Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 9-fluoro-11beta,17,21-trihydroxy-16beta-methyl-

99. Bidd:pxr0047

100. Betamethasone [vandf]

101. Bspbio_000483

102. 4-08-00-03501 (beilstein Handbook Reference)

103. Mls001066413

104. Mls001332616

105. Mls002153244

106. Betamethasone [mart.]

107. Spbio_002404

108. Betamethasone [usp-rs]

109. Betamethasone [who-dd]

110. Betamethasone [who-ip]

111. Corticosterone, 1-dehydro-9-fluoro-17-hydroxy-16.beta.-methyl-

112. Bpbio1_000533

113. Gtpl7061

114. Dtxsid3022667

115. Bdbm73823

116. Betamethasone (jp17/usp/inn)

117. Bcpp000345

118. Hms1569i05

119. Hms2096i05

120. Hms2233i08

121. Hms3713i05

122. Betamethasone [ep Impurity]

123. Betamethasone [orange Book]

124. Bcp02020

125. Zinc3876136

126. Betamethasone [ep Monograph]

127. Tox21_112115

128. Tox21_301455

129. Betamethasone [usp Monograph]

130. S1500

131. Betamethasonum [who-ip Latin]

132. Akos008901360

133. Akos015894863

134. Tox21_112115_1

135. Bcp9000393

136. Ccg-220362

137. Cs-1897

138. Db00443

139. Ks-5302

140. 9-fluoro-11.beta.,17,21-trihydroxy-16.beta.-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

141. Smp1_000043

142. Betamethasone Dipropionate Ep Impurity A

143. Ncgc00164401-02

144. Ncgc00164401-03

145. Ncgc00255195-01

146. Hy-13570

147. Betamethasone 1000 Microg/ml In Methanol

148. Betamethasone Dipropionate Impurity A

149. Betamethasone 100 Microg/ml In Acetonitrile

150. D1961

151. Betamethasone 1000 Microg/ml In Acetonitrile

152. Dexamethasone Impurity B [ep Impurity]

153. Betamethasone, Meets Usp Testing Specifications

154. C06848

155. D00244

156. D88866

157. 378m449

158. Betamethasone, Vetranal(tm), Analytical Standard

159. Q416132

160. Sr-01000780582

161. Sr-01000780582-2

162. W-106509

163. Betamethasone Acetate Impurity A [ep Impurity]

164. Brd-k39188321-001-03-9

165. Betamethasone, British Pharmacopoeia (bp) Reference Standard

166. Betamethasone, European Pharmacopoeia (ep) Reference Standard

167. Betamethasone, Pharmaceutical Impurity Standard, >=95.0% (hplc)

168. Betamethasone, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

169. (11.beta.,16.beta.)-9-fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

170. 9-.alpha.-fluoro-11-.beta.,17,21-trihydroxy-16-.beta.-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

171. 9-fluoro-11.beta.,17,21-trihydroxy-16.beta.-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione.

172. 9-fluoro-16beta-methyl-11beta,17,21-trihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

173. Betamethasone, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

174. Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 9-fluoro-11.beta.,17,21-trihydroxy-16.beta.-methyl-

175. Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 9alpha-fluoro-11beta,17alpha,21-trihydroxy-16beta-methyl-

176. (1r,2s,10s,11s,13s,14r,15s,17s)-1-fluoro-14,17-dihydroxy-14-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-2,13,15-trimethyltetracyclo[8.7.0.0^{2,7}.0^{11,15}]heptadeca-3,6-dien-5-one

177. 16-.beta.-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-9-.alpha.-fluoro-11-.beta.,17-.alpha.,21-triol-3,20-dione

178. 9-.alpha.-fluoro-11-.beta.,17-.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-16-.beta.-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

179. 9-.alpha.-fluoro-16-.beta.-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-11-.beta.,17-.alpha.,21-triol-3,20-dione

180. 9-fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, (11.beta.,16.beta.) #

181. Betamethasone; 9-fluoro-11?,17,21-trihydroxy-16?-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; (11?,16?)-9-fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; 9?-fluoro-16?-methylprednisolone

2.4 Create Date
2005-06-24
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 392.5 g/mol
Molecular Formula C22H29FO5
XLogP31.9
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count3
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count6
Rotatable Bond Count2
Exact Mass392.19990218 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass392.19990218 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area94.8 Ų
Heavy Atom Count28
Formal Charge0
Complexity805
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count8
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 4  
Drug NameLotrisone
PubMed HealthBetamethasone/Clotrimazole (On the skin)
Drug ClassesAnti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antibacterial Combination
Active Ingredientclotrimazole; Betamethasone dipropionate
Dosage FormCream; Lotion
RouteTopical
Strengtheq 0.05% base; 1%
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMerck Sharp Dohme

2 of 4  
Drug NameLuxiq
PubMed HealthBetamethasone
Drug ClassesCorticosteroid, Intermediate, Corticosteroid, Strong, Corticosteroid, Very Strong, Diagnostic Agent, Adrenocortical Function, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Immune Suppressant
Active IngredientBetamethasone valerate
Dosage FormAerosol, foam
RouteTopical
Strength0.12%
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyDelcor Asset

3 of 4  
Drug NameLotrisone
PubMed HealthBetamethasone/Clotrimazole (On the skin)
Drug ClassesAnti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antibacterial Combination
Active Ingredientclotrimazole; Betamethasone dipropionate
Dosage FormCream; Lotion
RouteTopical
Strengtheq 0.05% base; 1%
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMerck Sharp Dohme

4 of 4  
Drug NameLuxiq
PubMed HealthBetamethasone
Drug ClassesCorticosteroid, Intermediate, Corticosteroid, Strong, Corticosteroid, Very Strong, Diagnostic Agent, Adrenocortical Function, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Immune Suppressant
Active IngredientBetamethasone valerate
Dosage FormAerosol, foam
RouteTopical
Strength0.12%
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyDelcor Asset

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Steroidal; Glucocorticoids, Synthetic; Glucocorticoids, Topical

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings online file (MeSH, 1999)


/Indicated for the treament of/ allergic disorders: drug induced allergic reactions; angioedema; acute noninfectious laryngeal edema; allergic, perennial or seasonal, severe rhinitis; serum sickness; urticarial transfusions reactions.

MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 22nd ed. Volume 1. MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care, Greenwood Village, CO. 2002. Content Reviewed and Approved by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., p. 1002


/Indicated for the treament of/ collagen disorders: acute, rheumatic or nonrheumatic carditis; systemic lupus erythematosus; mixed connective tissue disease; polyarteritis nodosa; relapsing polychondritis.

MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 22nd ed. Volume 1. MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care, Greenwood Village, CO. 2002. Content Reviewed and Approved by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., p. 1002


/Indicated for the treatment of/ dermatologic disorders: alopecia areata; atopic dermatitis; contact dermatitis; exfoliative dermatitis; herpetiformis, bullous dermatitis; severe, seborrheic dermatitis; severe inflammatory dermatoses; severe multiforme erythema; granuloma annulare; keloids; lichen planus; lichen simplex chronicus; discoid lupus erythematosus; mycosis fungoides; necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum; pemphigus; severe psoriasis; psoriatic plaques; severa eczema; pemphigoid; localized cutaneous sarcoid.

MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 22nd ed. Volume 1. MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care, Greenwood Village, CO. 2002. Content Reviewed and Approved by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., p. 1003


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for BETAMETHASONE (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Warning

... The most striking effects of corticosteroids on the cardiovascular system result from mineralocorticoid-induced changes in renal Na + excretion as is evident in primary aldosteronism. The resultant hypertension can lead to a diverse group of adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, including increased atherosclerosis, cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, and hypertensive cardiomyopathy. The mechanism underlying the hypertension remains incompletely understood, but restriction of dietary Na + can lower the blood pressure considerably. /Adrenocorticosteroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1661


Two effects of corticosteroids on lipid metabolism are firmly established. The first is the dramatic redistribution of body fat that occurs in settings of hypercorticism such as Cushing's syndrome. The other is the permissive facilitation of the effect of other agents, such as growth hormone and beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, in inducing lipolysis in adipocytes, with a resultant increase in free fatty acids following glucocorticoid administration. /Adrenocorticosteroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1659


...Caution should be exercised if fluorinated preparations are used on face or other cosmetically important areas, since paradoxical eruptions may occur with long-term use.

American Medical Association, AMA Department of Drugs, AMA Drug Evaluations. 3rd ed. Littleton, Massachusetts: PSG Publishing Co., Inc., 1977., p. 513


Although injection may be given intra-articularly, it must be remembered that repeated intra-articular glucocorticoids sometimes effect painless destruction of joint.

Osol, A. and J.E. Hoover, et al. (eds.). Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co., 1975., p. 889


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for BETAMETHASONE (34 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

As a member of the corticosteroid family, betamethasone is indicated for the treatment of several inflammatory conditions. As topical monotherapy, betamethasone is indicated to relieve pruritic and inflammatory symptoms of corticosteroid-responsive-dermatoses. Betamethasone can be used topically in combination with a vitamin D analog such as calcipotriene to treat plaque psoriasis. The corticosteroid is also available as an injectable suspension and can be used to manage a range of inflammatory conditions including endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and rheumatic disorders among other conditions.


FDA Label


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Corticosteroids bind to the glucocorticoid receptor inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals, while promoting anti-inflammatory signals. Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are multiples of what the body naturally produces. Patients who require long-term treatment with a corticosteroid should be counselled regarding the risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Anti-Asthmatic Agents

Drugs that are used to treat asthma. (See all compounds classified as Anti-Asthmatic Agents.)


Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Substances that reduce or suppress INFLAMMATION. (See all compounds classified as Anti-Inflammatory Agents.)


Glucocorticoids

A group of CORTICOSTEROIDS that affect carbohydrate metabolism (GLUCONEOGENESIS, liver glycogen deposition, elevation of BLOOD SUGAR), inhibit ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE secretion, and possess pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. They also play a role in fat and protein metabolism, maintenance of arterial blood pressure, alteration of the connective tissue response to injury, reduction in the number of circulating lymphocytes, and functioning of the central nervous system. (See all compounds classified as Glucocorticoids.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
BETAMETHASONE
5.3.2 FDA UNII
9842X06Q6M
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Mechanisms of Action [MoA] - Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists
5.4 ATC Code

D07AC01

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


A - Alimentary tract and metabolism

A07 - Antidiarrheals, intestinal antiinflammatory/antiinfective agents

A07E - Intestinal antiinflammatory agents

A07EA - Corticosteroids acting locally

A07EA04 - Betamethasone


C - Cardiovascular system

C05 - Vasoprotectives

C05A - Agents for treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures for topical use

C05AA - Corticosteroids

C05AA05 - Betamethasone


D - Dermatologicals

D07 - Corticosteroids, dermatological preparations

D07A - Corticosteroids, plain

D07AC - Corticosteroids, potent (group iii)

D07AC01 - Betamethasone


D - Dermatologicals

D07 - Corticosteroids, dermatological preparations

D07X - Corticosteroids, other combinations

D07XC - Corticosteroids, potent, other combinations

D07XC01 - Betamethasone


H - Systemic hormonal preparations, excl. sex hormones and insulins

H02 - Corticosteroids for systemic use

H02A - Corticosteroids for systemic use, plain

H02AB - Glucocorticoids

H02AB01 - Betamethasone


R - Respiratory system

R01 - Nasal preparations

R01A - Decongestants and other nasal preparations for topical use

R01AD - Corticosteroids

R01AD06 - Betamethasone


R - Respiratory system

R03 - Drugs for obstructive airway diseases

R03B - Other drugs for obstructive airway diseases, inhalants

R03BA - Glucocorticoids

R03BA04 - Betamethasone


S - Sensory organs

S01 - Ophthalmologicals

S01B - Antiinflammatory agents

S01BA - Corticosteroids, plain

S01BA06 - Betamethasone


S - Sensory organs

S01 - Ophthalmologicals

S01C - Antiinflammatory agents and antiinfectives in combination

S01CB - Corticosteroids/antiinfectives/mydriatics in combination

S01CB04 - Betamethasone


S - Sensory organs

S02 - Otologicals

S02B - Corticosteroids

S02BA - Corticosteroids

S02BA07 - Betamethasone


S - Sensory organs

S03 - Ophthalmological and otological preparations

S03B - Corticosteroids

S03BA - Corticosteroids

S03BA03 - Betamethasone


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered. For example, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment is classified as a highly potent topical steroid, while betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or lotion is considered to be moderately potent. There are several structural modifications that can determine the potency of a topical corticosteroid. For example, corticosteroids containing a halogen at specific carbons, or that contain esters are more potent due to enhanced lipophilicity. As such, there is a marked difference between topical products containing betamethasone dipropionate vs. betamethasone valerate. Betamethasone dipropionate contains 2 esters which enhances its potency, while betamethasone valerate has only one ester and is less potent. It should be noted that the use of occlusive dressings with topical steroids significantly increases the absorption, increasing the risk for adverse effects.


Route of Elimination

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.


Volume of Distribution

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,58423,539 mL(s).


Clearance

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 805 mL/hour.


Glucocorticoids ... absorbed systemically from sites of local administration, such as synovial spaces, the conjunctival sac, skin, and respiratory tract. When administration is prolonged, when the site of application is covered with an occlusive dressing, or when large areas of skin are involved, the absorption may be sufficient to cause systemic effects, including suppression of the HPA axis. /Adrenocorticalsteroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1663


Following absorption, 90% or more of cortisol in plasma is reversibly bound to protein under normal circumstances. Only the fraction of corticosteroid that is unbound can enter cells to mediate corticosteroid effects. Two plasma proteins account for almost all of the steroid-binding capacity: corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG; also called transcortin), and albumin. CBG is an alpha-globulin secreted by the liver that has high affinity for steroids but relatively low total binding capacity, whereas albumin, also produced by the liver, has low affinity but relatively large binding capacity. At normal or low concentrations of corticosteroids, most of the hormone is protein-bound. At higher steroid concentrations, the capacity of protein binding is exceeded, and a significantly greater fraction of the steroid exists in the free state. Corticosteroids compete with each other for binding sites on CBG. CBG has relatively high affinity for cortisol and most of its synthetic congeners and low affinity for aldosterone and glucuronide-conjugated steroid metabolites; thus, greater percentages of these latter steroids are found in the free form. /Adrenocortical Steroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1663


The pharmacokinetics of betamethasone and its phosphate ester are described in 8 healthy adults after iv bolus injection of 10.6 mg betamethasone phosphate. Both cmpd were measured by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection using sample handling methods which prevented hydrolysis of the ester in vitro. Betamethasone phosphate disappeared rapidly from plasma (mean half-life = 4.7 min) as betamethasone levels rose. Betamethasone plasma levels reached a peak 10-36 min after admin of the phosphate before declining in a biexponential manner. The terminal slow disposition phase had a mean half-life of 6.5 hr. Only about 5% of the dose was recovered from urine as betamethasone, indicating extensive extrarenal clearance of betamethasone. /Betamethason phosphate/

PMID:6662164 Petersen MC, et al; Eur J Clin Pharmacol 25 (5): 643-50 (1983)


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

The metabolism of betamethasone yields 6 metabolites. The metabolic processes include 6 hydroxylation, 11-hydroxyl oxidation, and reduction of the C-20 carbonyl group followed by removal of the side chain.


All of the biologically active adrenocortical steroids and their synthetic congeners have a double bond in the 4,5 position and a ketone group at C 3. As a general rule, the metabolism of steroid hormones involves sequential additions of oxygen or hydrogen atoms, followed by conjugation to form water-soluble derivatives. Reduction of the 4,5 double bond occurs at both hepatic and extrahepatic sites, yielding inactive compounds. Subsequent reduction of the 3-ketone substituent to the 3-hydroxyl derivative, forming tetrahydrocortisol, occurs only in the liver. Most of these A ring-reduced steroids are conjugated through the 3-hydroxyl group with sulfate or glucuronide by enzymatic reactions that take place in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney. The resultant sulfate esters and glucuronides form water-soluble derivatives and are the predominant forms excreted in the urine. Neither biliary nor fecal excretion is of quantitative importance in human beings. /Adrenocortical Steroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1663


5.7 Biological Half-Life

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2 2.5 hours.


The pharmacokinetics of betamethasone and its phosphate ester are described in 8 healthy adults after i.v. bolus injection of 10.6 mg betamethasone phosphate. Both compounds were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection using sample handling methods which prevented hydrolysis of the ester in vitro. Betamethasone phosphate disappeared rapidly from plasma (mean half-life = 4.7 min) as betamethasone levels rose. Betamethasone plasma levels reached a peak 10-36 min after administration of the phosphate before declining in a biexponential manner. The terminal slow disposition phase had a mean half-life of 6.5 hr.

PMID:6662164 Petersen M et al; Eur J Clin Pharmacol 25 (5): 643-50 (1983)


Serum half-life of betamethasone is about 3 hr.

Osol, A. and J.E. Hoover, et al. (eds.). Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co., 1975., p. 889


5.8 Mechanism of Action

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors. They also inhibit phospholipase A2, leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives. In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10. Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways. The genomic pathway is slower and occurs when glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors and initiate downstream effects that promote transcription of anti-inflammatory genes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), IL-1-receptor antagonist, and tyrosine amino transferase (TAT). On the other hand, the nongenomic pathway is able to elicit a quicker response by modulating T-cell, platelet and monocyte activity through the use of existing membrane-bound receptors and second messengers.


Corticosteroids interact with specific receptor proteins in target tissues to regulate the expression of corticosteroid responsive genes, thereby changing the levels and array of proteins synthesized by the various target tissues. As a consequence of the time required for changes in gene expression and protein synthesis, most effects of corticosteroids are not immediate, but become apparent after several hours. ... Although corticosteroids predominantly act to increase expression of target genes, there are well documented examples where glucocorticoids decrease transcription of target genes ... In contrast to these genomic effects, recent studies have raised the possibility that some actions of corticosteroids are immediate and are mediated by membrane-bound receptors. /Adrenocorticosteroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1657


The mechanisms by which glucocorticoids inhibit glucose utilization in peripheral tissues are not fully understood. Glucocorticoids decrease glucose uptake in adipose tissue, skin, fibroblasts, thymocytes, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes; these effects are postulated to result from translocation of the glucose transporters from the plasma membrane to an intracellular location. These peripheral effects are associated with a number of catabolic actions, including atrophy of lymphoid tissue, decreased muscle mass, negative nitrogen balance, and thinning of the skin. /Adrenocorticalsteroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1659


The mechanisms by which the glucocorticoids promote gluconeogenesis are not fully defined. Amino acids mobilized from a number of tissues in response to glucocorticoids reach the liver and provide substrate for the production of glucose and glycogen. In the liver, glucocorticoids induce the transcription of a number of enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis and amino acid metabolism, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. Analyses of the molecular basis for regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression have identified complex regulatory influences involving an interplay among glucocorticoids, insulin, glucagon, and catecholamine. The effects of these hormones and amines on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression mirror the complex regulation of gluconeogenesis in the intact organism. /Adrenocorticalsteroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1659


... /A/ major action of corticosteroids on the cardiovascular system is to enhance vascular reactivity to other vasoactive substances. Hypoadrenalism generally is associated with hypotension and reduced response to vasoconstrictors such as norepinephrine and angiotensin II. This diminished pressor response is explained partly by recent studies in experimental systems showing that glucocorticoids increase expression of adrenergic receptors in the vascular wall. Conversely, hypertension is seen in patients with excessive glucocorticoid secretion, occurring in most patients with Cushing's syndrome and in a subset of patients treated with synthetic glucocorticoids (even those lacking any significant mineralocorticoid action). /Adrenocorticosteroids/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1660


For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for BETAMETHASONE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


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