CELESTONE® SOLUSPAN® * (betamethasone injectable suspension) Injectable Suspension is a sterile aqueous suspension containing 3 mg per milliliter betamethasone, as betamethasone sodium phosphate, and 3 mg per milliliter betamethasone acetate. Inactive ingredients per mL: 7.1 mg dibasic sodium phosphate; 3.4 mg monobasic sodium phosphate; 0.1 mg edetate disodium; and 0.2 mg benzalkonium chloride as preservative. The pH is adjusted to between 6.8 and 7.2.

The formula for betamethasone sodium phosphate is C₂₂H₂₈FNa₂O₈P and it has a molecular weight of 516.41. Chemically, it is 9-Fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4­diene-3,20-dione 21-(disodium phosphate).

The formula for betamethasone acetate is C₂₄H₃₁FO₆ and it has a molecular weight of 434.50. Chemically, it is 9-Fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20­dione 21-acetate.

The chemical structures for betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate are as follows:

Betamethasone sodium phosphate is a white to practically white, odorless powder, and is hygroscopic. It is freely soluble in water and in methanol, but is practically insoluble in acetone and in chloroform.

Betamethasone acetate is a white to creamy white, odorless powder that sinters and resolidifies at about and remelts at about 165°C with decomposition. It is practically insoluble in water, but freely soluble in acetone, and is soluble in alcohol and in chloroform.

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/3/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.