averts the need for circumcision. It has replaced circumcision as the preferred treatment method for some physicians in the British National Health Service. Side effects Euphoria Depression Adrenal suppression Hypertension Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin, petechiae Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) Ecchymoses Prolonged use of this medicine on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, skin folds, or underneath airtight dressings may on rare occasions result in enough corticosteroid being absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body; for example, by causing a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. Betamethasone is also used prior to delivery of a preterm baby to help prepare the lungs for breathing. However, because betamethasone crosses the placenta, which is required for its beneficial effects, it may also be associated with complications, such as hypoglycemia and leukocytosis in newborns exposed in utero. When injected into the epidural space or the spine, it may cause serious side effects like loss of vision, stroke, and paralysis. Forms Betamethasone is available in a number of compound forms: betamethasone dipropionate (branded as Diprosone, Diprolene, Celestamine, Procort (in Pakistan), and others), betamethasone sodium phosphate (branded as Bentelan in Italy) and betamethasone valerate (branded as Audavate, Betnovate, Celestone, Fucibet, and others). In the United States and Canada, betamethasone is mixed with clotrimazole and sold as Lotrisone and Lotriderm. It is also available in combination with salicylic acid (branded as Diprosalic) for using in psoriatic skin conditions. In some countries, it is also sold mixed with both clotrimazole and gentamicin to add an antibacterial agent to the mix. Betamethasone sodium phosphate mixed with betamethasone acetate is available in the United States as Celestone Soluspan. See also Betamethasone/dexchlorpheniramine References External links Corticosteroids Halohydrins Organofluorides Fluorinated corticosteroids Merck & Co. brands Otologicals Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate World Health Organization essential medicines