DRUG ACTION INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION SIDE EFFECTS

NURSING
RESPONSIBILITY
BETAMETHASONE
(Celestone)

12-12.5 mg IM initially;
maybe repeated in 24
hours again in 1 to 2
weeks
Betamethasone is a
corticosteroid that acts
as an anti-inIlammatory
and immunosuppressive
agent. It is given to
pregnant women 12 to
24 hours beIore birth to
hasten Ietal lung
maturity iI a Ietus is less
than 34 weeks` gestation
and help prevent
respiratory distress
syndrome in the
newborn.
- or Ietal lung
maturity
-Hypersensitivity - Burning
- Itching and irritation at
the injection site
- Swelling
- Tachycardia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Sodium and Iluid
retention
- Increased risk oI
inIection iI used long
term
- Explain the purpose
oI the drug to client
- Administer the initial
dose IM. Anticipate
the need Ior repeat
dosing within 24
hours and again in 1
to 2 weeks.
- Assist with measures
to halt preterm labor
iI indicated
- Continue to monitor
client`s vital signs
and Ietal heart rate
Ior changes.
- II client is also
receiving a tocolytic
agent, be alert Ior
possible cardiac
decompensation as a
result oI a drug-drug
interaction. Observe
Ior signs such as
increased pulse,
decreased blood
pressure, and
presence oI edema.
- Assess Ior signs and
symptoms oI
possible inIection
with long term use.

- Instruct client about
the possibility that a
repeat dose may be
necessary.