Betnesol-N Eye Ointment

How does it work?

Betamethasone sodium phosphate belongs to a group of medicines, known as corticosteroids, used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation occurs as a result of allergy or irritation and is caused by the release of substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. Corticosteroids work by acting within cells to decrease the release of these substances in a particular area, thereby reducing swelling, redness and itch. Neomycin belongs to a group of antibiotics called aminoglycosides. These antibiotics have the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria. Neomycin binds to components in the bacterial cell, which results in the production of abnormal proteins. These proteins are normally necessary for the bacteria's survival, therefore the production of abnormal proteins is ultimately fatal to the bacteria. The combination of betamethasone and neomycin is useful in the treatment of inflammatory eye disorders, which are either infected or likely to become infected.

What is it used for?

Inflammation of the eye when prevention of bacterial infection is also required

Warning!

Consult your doctor if after seven days of treatment with this medicine there is little or no improvement in your symptoms.

This medicine may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have applied it into your eye. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.

Intensive or prolonged application of corticosteroids to the eye may lead to an increase in the pressure inside the eye, glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve or the formation of cataracts.

Where prolonged therapy is required, individuals should be regularly reviewed by the doctor to avoid adverse reactions.

Each container of this medicine should discarded four weeks after the first opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully, preferably by returning to your pharmacy.

If used for longer than 6-8 weeks (under expert supervision only), this preparation should be withdrawn gradually to prevent relapse.

This medicine should not be used to treat a red eye not diagnosed by a doctor, as inappropriate use can cause blindness.

Use with caution in

Children

Not to be used in

Eye conditions producing pus

Fungal infections of the eye

Glaucoma

Inflammation of the front of the eye (cornea) or the membrane lining the eye (conjunctiva) due to the herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis)

Tuberculosis infection affecting the eye

Viral infections of the eye

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for further advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Itching (pruritus)

Blurred vision

Partial loss of vision due to opacity in the lens of the eye (cataracts)

Burning sensation

Eye irritation

Allergic dermatitis

Increased pressure within the eye

Stinging

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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