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Can I Have Betnesol Eye Drops During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2014
Question: Hi I went to my doctor this morning as I have conjunctivitis. There is a lot of discharge and my eyes are very red. I am five weeks pregnant and told my doctor this. He prescribed me betnesol eye drops. However I read on the leaflet that they can cause cleft palate in babies and retarted growth. Is it safe to co tinue using these drops?
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Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Better to go for alternate medication.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

Betamethasone is a category C drug during pregnancy and comes under category D drug during the first trimester. This means that the drug has potential risks when used during the first trimester. Though topical use has lesser risk as the systemic absorption is minimal, yet, there is a risk.

So, I would suggest going for alternate medication. Antibiotic medication with regular cleaning should usually suffice in treating the infection. Steroid drops are necessary when the inflammation is severe. Then, the benefits of using the medication outweighs the risks.

Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shanti Vennam

OBGYN

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 7667 Questions

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Can I Have Betnesol Eye Drops During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Better to go for alternate medication. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. Betamethasone is a category C drug during pregnancy and comes under category D drug during the first trimester. This means that the drug has potential risks when used during the first trimester. Though topical use has lesser risk as the systemic absorption is minimal, yet, there is a risk. So, I would suggest going for alternate medication. Antibiotic medication with regular cleaning should usually suffice in treating the infection. Steroid drops are necessary when the inflammation is severe. Then, the benefits of using the medication outweighs the risks. Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help. regards, Shanti.V.