Celestamine Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Celestamine tablet is used to treat difficult cases of respiratory and ocular allergies, allergic disorders, itching or rash, dermatitis, ataxia, psoriasis of the scalp, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, phimosis, and other such conditions.

Schering-Plow Limited manufactures and markets it (Under – Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC). Merck is an American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey. 

These tablets contain a medicinal mixture of two components, betamethasone, and Dexchlorpheniramine. They both work together to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms. 

Celestamine Tablet

The composition of these two components in each tablet is below:

• Betamethasone—250 mcg
• Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate – 2 mg

This product also comes in syrup form. Here is its composition;

Each 5 mL of syrup contains

• Betamethasone 0.25 mg and
• Dexchlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg.

Celestamine Tablet Uses

Celestamine Tablet is used to treat, control, prevent, and improve the following diseases, conditions, and symptoms:

• Breathing disorders
• Itch or rash
• Allergic disorders
• Skin inflammation
• Ataxia telangiectasia
• Cerebral edema
• Scalp psoriasis
• Arthritis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Phimosis
• It can be used in hematologic disorders such as Acquired(autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults.
• Blood disorders.

Celestamine Mechanism

It is a combination of anti-inflammatory and antiallergic medications.

Betamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug with metabolic, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory activities. It belongs to a group of drugs known as 21-hydroxysteroids that reduce the number of inflammatory chemicals your body produces. 

⇒ Betamethasone binds to glucocorticoid receptors and then binds to DNA to modify gene expression, which leads to the synthesis of some inflammatory proteins while reducing the synthesis of some inflammatory mediators. This way, this drug causes an overall reduction in autoimmune reactions and inflammation, thus lowering the body’s natural immune response.

⇒ While the dexchlorpheniramine maleate has antihistamine properties, this is a first-generation antihistamine and antiallergic drug. It competes with H1 receptors, thus inhibiting histamine on H1 histamine receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, capillaries, and gastric smooth muscle. In addition, Dexchlorpheniramine’s aggressive action inhibits the action of endogenous histamines, such as histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and GI smooth muscle and skin; that’s why it treats allergic conditions such as hay fever or urticaria.

Celestamine Side Effects

Although this brand is considered safe to use, as with any medication, Celestamine can also cause side effects ranging from less to more common and moderate to severe. The more common Celestamine side effects include:

• Problems with your vision as it increases intraocular pressure. 
• Swelling,
• Rapid weight gain, 
• Shortness of breath;
• Severe depression, 
• Unusual thoughts or behavior, 
• Seizure (convulsions);
• Bloody or tarry stools,
• Coughing up blood;
• Sedation and drowsiness;
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance (disturbance) in the body;
• Muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, tendon rupture;
• Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients
• Osteoporosis, pathological fractures
• Peptic ulcers, irregular bowels, nausea, vomiting;
• Skin discoloration (Blue skin color).
• Impaired healing of wounds;
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Seizure;
• Abdominal distention.
• Thin and fragile skin.
• Increased sweating, urticaria.
• Vertigo, headaches.
• Euphoria, mood swings, depression.
• Menstrual irregularities
• Infection. Signs may include cough, fever, and chills.

Precautions

• Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor If you have an allergy to betamethasone or any other part of betamethasone preparations.
• Tell you, doctor, If you are allergic to drugs like this one, other drugs, foods, or other substances.
• Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash, hives; itching, shortness of breath, wheezing; cough, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, or any other signs.
• Please keep in mind that it is not suitable for infants.
• Before taking this drug, tell your doctor If you have health problems like fungal infection, malaria, or herpes infection.
• If you have nerve problems.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and your health problems.
• You must ensure that it is safe to take betamethasone oral solution with all your drugs and health problems.
• Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
• It should not be used for a prolonged time.

Celestamine In Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The FDA has assigned pregnancy category C to betamethasone. Animal studies have shown teratogenicity when oral corticosteroids or potent steroids are administered topically. There are no controlled data on human pregnancy. Betamethasone has been shown to cross the placenta. Betamethasone is recommended only during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefits outweigh the risks.

It is unsafe to take if you are breastfeeding or intend to start breastfeeding. The corticosteroid can damage the fetus or a baby. This can also disrupt the average growth of a newborn baby. Always consult a health care professional before using Celestamine if breastfeeding a baby.

Drug Interactions

If you use other medications or over-the-counter products at precisely the same time, the effects of Celestamine Tablet can alter. This might increase your chance of side effects or trigger your medication not to work correctly. 

Inform your doctor about all of the medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements you’re using, so your physician can help you prevent or handle drug interactions. 

Celestamine tablets may interact with these drugs and products: Avoid them if you already use the medicines and supplements below.

• Estrogen
• Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, rifampicin, or ephedrine
• Potassium-depleting diuretics can increase the chances of hypokalemia.
• Cardiac glycosides can improve the chance of arrhythmias or digitalis toxicity associated with hypokalemia.
• Coumarin-type anticoagulants can increase or reduce the anticoagulant effects.
• Corticosteroids may improve the potassium depletion brought on by amphotericin B. In most patients taking at least one of these drug treatment mixes, serum electrolyte determinations must be tracked carefully, especially potassium levels.
• Dosage adjustments of antidiabetic medication may be mandatory if corticosteroids are given to people with diabetes. Antihistamines could inhibit the activity of oral anticoagulants
• Corticosteroids may reduce blood salicylate concentrations. Acetylsalicylic acid ought to be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia.
• Celestamine can also interact with digoxin and cyclosporine etc.

Celestamine Dosage

The usual recommended dose of Celestamine tablets for adults is 2 to 6 tablets per day. The dosage should be gradually reduced to the minimum required as the patient improves. The drug should stop whenever possible.

The usual recommended dose for children aged 6-12 years is 1/2 tablet or 1/2 teaspoonful of Celestamine syrup thrice daily.

The recommended dose for children aged 2-6 years is 1/4 teaspoonful 3-4 times daily. However, the dose should be adjusted as per the patient’s condition.

Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your needs. Your overall health can affect your dose. Tell your doctor about your health conditions before your doctor or nurse gives you the medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use Celestamine Tablet on an empty stomach before or after meals?

Answer: It should be used daily as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Generally, it is used after meals and at bedtime.

What is Celestamine used to treat?

Answer: This Tablet is used to treat, control, and prevent inflammation, allergic reactions, skin rashes, and many other conditions. Check the Uses above.

Is it safe to use Celestamine Tablet if you are pregnant?

Answer: It is a Category C drug. There are no controlled data on human pregnancy. Betamethasone has been shown to cross the placenta. Betamethasone is recommended only during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your doctor for specific recommendations for each case.

Is Celestamine Tablet Safe During Breastfeeding?

Answer: It is unsafe to take if you are breastfeeding or intending to start breastfeeding. The corticosteroid can damage the fetus or a baby. This can also disrupt the average growth of a newborn baby. Consult your physician.

Can Celestamine Tablet be used for itching or rashes and allergies?

Answer: Yes, itching, rash, and allergy are among the most commonly used applications reported for Celestamine tablets. Always ask your GP before using it for any condition.

Is it safe to handle or operate heavy machinery when using this product?

Answer: You should not drive if you use the medicine; it makes you drowsy, dizzy, or your blood pressure down. Always ask your doctor about recommendations for your body and your health conditions.

Can I stop using Celestamine immediately, or should I stop using it slowly?

Answer: Some medications can not be stopped immediately due to rebound effects. Consult your doctor for recommendations on your body, health, and other medicines you may use

Is this substance an addictive product, or is it a habit?

Answer: No, it is not addictive.

Is this steroid?

Answer: It contains betamethasone, a group of drugs known as a corticosteroid.

What to do if I miss a dose of Celestamine?

Answer: If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your usual dose as planned. Do not take a double dose.

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

Answer: In an emergency or overdose, consult your local ambulance or the nearest emergency room. The estimated lethal dose of Celestamine is 2.5-5mg/Kg. 

The potential for overdosage reactions varies but may include depression in central nervous system symptoms such as sedation or respiratory difficulties and mental impairment due to slowed reflexes.

Other signs include tinnitus, dizziness, and blurred vision. Adults may experience depression with drowsiness or coma. At the same time, children also show signs like a dry mouth to atropine-like symptoms such as flushing, fever, etc., caused by central nervous system dominance.

How should I take Celestamine?

Answer: The usual dose for adults is 2 to 6 tablets daily. The dosage should be gradually reduced to the minimum required as the patient improves. Always consult your physician before taking the drug.

The dose depends on individual response. It is important to remember that the drug has varying effects on different people and can be helpful for various illnesses. For example, if your symptoms are better after taking one dose, you may require less medicine over time until there’s no need.

The minimum effective dose will also vary depending on someone’s age; children under 12 typically receive one tablet twice daily, whereas adults should start with two tablets per day divided into two doses.

The recommended time to take this medicine is after a meal.

The dose for children aged 6-12 years is a half tablet or half tablespoon three times a day. However, children should not exceed the dose of 4 tablets or four tablespoons daily.

Is Celestamine an antihistamine?

Answer: It contains betamethasone as an active ingredient, which belongs to a group of drugs known as corticosteroids. But this formulation’s second ingredient (dexchlorpheniramine maleate) works as an antihistamine. So, Yes, this antihistamine medicine.

What are the side effects of Celestamine?

Answer: The most common side effects of this drug include headache, nausea, sleep disturbances, Gastric ulcer, poor appetite, Diarrhea, and others. This is not a complete list of side effects; check the above.

How To Store It?

Answer: It’s important to store the drug in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture. To prevent damage, it should not be stored at room temperature (especially near windows) or inside your bathroom–freezing also poses potential problems for this medication.

Ensure you check both package directions about what kind of storage is recommended before taking any action on behalf of yourself/yourself alone; different brands require differing levels of due consideration when storing them.