B-Cort

B-Cort is indicated in short-term treatment of steroid responsive in inflammatory conditions of the eye after clinical exclusion of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Non-infected inflammatory conditions of the ear or nose.

Eye
: 1 or 2 drops to each affected eye every 1 or 2 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced.
Ear
: 2 or 3 drops to each affected ear every 2 or 3 hours until control is achieved, then the frequency may be reduced.
Nose
: 2 or 3 drops instilled into each nostril 2 or 3 times daily.

Hypersensitivity reactions may occur leading to irritation, burning, stinging, itching and dermatitis. Topical corticosteroid use may result in corneal ulceration, increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage, reduced visual acuity. Intensive or prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may lead to formation of posterior subcapsular cataracts. In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, corticosteroid therapy may result in thinning of the globe leading to perforation. Mydriasis, ptosis and epithelial punctate keratitis have also been reported following ophthalmic use of corticosteroids.

Topical corticosteroids should never be given for an undiagnosed red eye. Ophthalmic treatment with corticosteroid preparations should not be repeated or prolonged without regular review to exclude raised intraocular pressure, cataract formation or unsuspected infections.

Corticosteroids bind to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals, and promoting anti-inflammatory signals. Betamethasone phosphate has a short duration of action as it is rapidly hydrolyzed to betamethasone. Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are multiples of what the body naturally produces. Patients taking corticosteroids should be counselled regarding the risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.