Celestamine (steroid + antihistamine)

Celestamine is a product that contains two drugs: betamethasone (a corticosteroid) and dexchlorpheniramine maleate (an antihistamine).

Uses

What is Celestamine used for?

Celestamine is commonly used for treating several health conditions which include inflammation, allergic reactions (e.g. rhinitis), respiratory problems (e.g. asthma), and dermatologic conditions (e.g. eczema, dermatitis).

How should I take this product?

Both the oral tablet and oral syrup should be taken by mouth. Swallow the dose whole with a glass of water. It is recommended to take this medication with food to avoid GI disturbances.

How do I store this product?

Celestamine is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent damaging the product, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. Additionally, keep this product out of reach of children and pets for their safety.

Additionally, do not flush this product down the toilet or pour it into a drain. Properly discard this product if it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

Things to know before using this product

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Read more about its safety in the next section.
• Are taking any other medicines. This includes any OTC, prescription, supplement, and herbal medications.
• Have an allergy with any ingredients of Celestamine or similar drugs.

Avoid using corticosteroids if you are suffering from any fungal infection in any parts of your body.

Is it safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Betamethasone is a pregnancy category C drug. Therefore, it is not recommended to take this drug or drugs containing it during pregnancy. Betamethasone may be given before delivery if a baby is premature. In addition, betamethasone can affect milk production. However, it is generally safe while breast feeding. Always consult a healthcare expert before using Celestamine if you are nursing a baby.

Side effects

What side effects can occur while using Celestamine?

Celestamine may cause one or more of the following side effects:

Common

• Increased risk of infection
• Weakened immunity
• Fluid retention (e.g. edema)
• Corneal thinning
• Increased risk of bruising
• Malaise
• Ulcers
• Weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• Mood disorders (e.g. depression)
• Trouble sleeping

Significant

• Adrenal suppression
• Visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision, glaucoma)
• Stunted growth in children
• Anaphylactic reactions (rare)

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. Additionally, there may be some side effects not listed above. Therefore, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for more information regarding side effects of this product.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Celestamine?

This product may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how they work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Therefore, to avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using. This includes any OTC, prescription, supplement, and herbal products. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Some drugs that can cause an interaction include the following:

• Anticholinesterases
• Rifampicin
• Carbamazepine
• Phenobarbitone
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin, digitoxin)
• Anticoagulants or blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, coumarin, aspirin)
• Insulin and blood sugar-lowering drugs
• Live vaccines (e.g. influenza, MMR, varicella)

Does food or alcohol interact with this product?

Celestamine contains ingredients that can increase drowsiness. Do not take this medications with alcohol, as it can increase the severity of drowsiness. Additionally, avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medication. It should be taken with food.

What health conditions may interact with this product?

Celestamine may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, always inform your doctor and pharmacist about any current or past conditions, especially:

• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Infection
• GI diseases (e.g. GERD, PUD)
• Menstrual disorders (e.g. PCOS)
• Hormonal imbalance (e.g. menopause)
• Cancer

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.

What is the dose of Celestamine for an adult?

Adult & children >12 years old: 1-2 tablets or teaspoons of syrup 4 times a day. Max: 8 tablets or teaspoons per day.

What is the dose of Celestamine for a child?

Children 6-12 years old:  ½ tablets or teaspoons syrup 3 times a day.

Max: 4 tablets or teaspoons per day.

Children 2-6 years old:  ¼-½ tablets or teaspoons syrup 3 times a day.

Max: 2 tablets or teaspoons per day.

How is Celestamine available?

This product is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablet containing betamethasone 250 mcg + dexchlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg per tablet
• Syrup containing betamethasone 250 mcg + dexchlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg per 5 mL (30 mL, 60 mL)

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room. Additionally, do not induce vomiting. 

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.

Most importantly, stopping or missing too many doses can result in a dangerous condition known as adrenal suppression. Therefore to avoid this, your dose should be tapered down toward the end of the treatment course.