Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic, that are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. A derivative of prednisolone, CELESTONE (betamethasone) has a 16(beta)-methyl group that enhances the anti-inflammatory action of the molecule and reduces the sodium- and water-retaining properties of the fluorine atom bound at carbon 9.

The formula for betamethasone is C ₂₂ H ₂₉ FO ₅ and has a molecular weight of 392.47. Chemically, it is 9-fluoro- 11(beta),17,21-trihydroxy-16(beta)-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione.

Betamethasone is a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder. It melts at about 240°C with some decomposition. Betamethasone is sparingly soluble in acetone, alcohol, dioxane, and methanol; very slightly soluble in chloroform and ether; and is insoluble in water.

CELESTONE Syrup contains 0.6 mg betamethasone, USP, in each 5 mL.

The inactive ingredients for celestone Syrup include: alcohol, USP; cellulose powdered, NF; citric acid, USP anhydrous; FD&C Red No. 40; FD&C Yellow No. 6; Flavor Cherry Artificial 13506457 IFF; Flavor Orange Natural Terpeneless 73502530 IFF; propylene glycol, USP; sodium benzoate, NF; sodium chloride, USP; sorbitol solution, USP; sugar granulated; and water purified, USP.

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