Betamethasone MCQs With Answer

Introduction: Betamethasone MCQs With Answer is a focused question set for B. Pharm students designed to reinforce core concepts in pharmacology and therapeutics. This collection emphasizes betamethasone’s mechanism of action, potency, formulations, pharmacokinetics, clinical uses (including fetal lung maturity), adverse effects, monitoring, and drug interactions. Keywords: betamethasone, corticosteroid, glucocorticoid receptor, potency, fetal lung maturity, adverse effects, CYP3A4 interactions, systemic and topical formulations, adrenal suppression, dosing. Questions progress from basic to clinical and formulation-focused scenarios to deepen understanding and prepare for exams and practical pharmacy roles. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What is the primary mechanism of action of betamethasone?

• Agonist at glucocorticoid receptors
• Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme only
• Antagonist at mineralocorticoid receptors
• Blockade of histamine H1 receptors

Correct Answer: Agonist at glucocorticoid receptors

Q2. Compared to hydrocortisone, betamethasone’s approximate relative glucocorticoid potency is:

• About 1 times as potent
• About 4 times as potent
• About 25 times as potent
• Less potent than hydrocortisone

Correct Answer: About 25 times as potent

Q3. Which clinical indication is betamethasone particularly used for in obstetrics?

• Tocolysis to stop preterm labor permanently
• Fetal lung maturation in anticipated preterm delivery
• Prevention of preeclampsia
• Management of postpartum hemorrhage

Correct Answer: Fetal lung maturation in anticipated preterm delivery

Q4. Which formulation of betamethasone is commonly used for rapid systemic action by injection?

• Betamethasone valerate cream
• Betamethasone sodium phosphate injectable solution
• Betamethasone oral tablet (immediate release)
• Betamethasone inhalation powder

Correct Answer: Betamethasone sodium phosphate injectable solution

Q5. Betamethasone has minimal mineralocorticoid activity. The clinical implication of this is:

• Causes marked sodium retention and hypertension
• Less risk of salt retention compared with fludrocortisone
• Absolute contraindication in cardiovascular disease
• Produces strong potassium wasting comparable to aldosterone

Correct Answer: Less risk of salt retention compared with fludrocortisone

Q6. A major systemic adverse effect of prolonged betamethasone therapy is:

• Hypoglycemia
• Osteoporosis
• Improved growth in children
• Decreased infection risk

Correct Answer: Osteoporosis

Q7. Which laboratory change is commonly seen with systemic corticosteroid therapy like betamethasone?

• Decreased neutrophil count
• Leukocytosis with neutrophilia
• Marked eosinophilia
• Severe thrombocytopenia

Correct Answer: Leukocytosis with neutrophilia

Q8. Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with betamethasone is likely to cause:

• Decreased betamethasone plasma levels
• Increased betamethasone exposure and risk of systemic effects
• Complete inactivation of betamethasone
• No interaction because betamethasone is not metabolized by CYP enzymes

Correct Answer: Increased betamethasone exposure and risk of systemic effects

Q9. For topical betamethasone use, which adverse effect is of particular concern with prolonged application?

• Systemic adrenal hyperfunction
• Skin atrophy and telangiectasia
• Increased hair growth at distant sites only
• Permanent skin thickening

Correct Answer: Skin atrophy and telangiectasia

Q10. Betamethasone is best classified as which duration of corticosteroid action?

• Short-acting (less than 12 hours)
• Intermediate-acting (12–36 hours)
• Long-acting (over 36 hours)
• Ultra short-acting (less than 6 hours)

Correct Answer: Long-acting (over 36 hours)

Q11. Which statement about betamethasone use in neonates/pediatrics is true?

• It always increases growth in children
• Repeated systemic use can suppress growth and adrenal function
• There are no risks of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis suppression
• It is routinely given long-term to neonates without monitoring

Correct Answer: Repeated systemic use can suppress growth and adrenal function

Q12. Which contraindication is most appropriate for systemic betamethasone?

• Active untreated systemic fungal infection
• Controlled hypothyroidism
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis
• Stable type 2 diabetes on metformin

Correct Answer: Active untreated systemic fungal infection

Q13. When betamethasone is given to women in preterm labor, the usual benefit is:

• Permanent prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
• Transient acceleration of fetal lung surfactant production reducing early RDS
• Prevention of congenital malformations
• Stopping uterine contractions

Correct Answer: Transient acceleration of fetal lung surfactant production reducing early RDS

Q14. Which monitoring parameter is most important during high-dose systemic betamethasone therapy?

• Serum sodium only
• Blood glucose levels and signs of infection
• Serum bilirubin weekly
• Serum calcium only

Correct Answer: Blood glucose levels and signs of infection

Q15. Abrupt withdrawal after prolonged systemic betamethasone therapy may lead to:

• Adrenal insufficiency and corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome
• Immediate improvement in bone density
• Permanent cure of underlying inflammatory disease
• No physiological consequences

Correct Answer: Adrenal insufficiency and corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome

Q16. Which of these is an expected metabolic effect of systemic betamethasone?

• Hypolipidemia
• Hyperglycemia due to increased gluconeogenesis
• Marked hypoglycemia due to insulin release
• Decreased appetite and weight loss

Correct Answer: Hyperglycemia due to increased gluconeogenesis

Q17. Which ocular adverse effect is associated with long-term topical or systemic corticosteroids like betamethasone?

• Open-angle glaucoma and posterior subcapsular cataract formation
• Immediate blindness within hours
• Decreased intraocular pressure
• Permanent reduction of eyelash growth

Correct Answer: Open-angle glaucoma and posterior subcapsular cataract formation

Q18. Pharmacists counseling patients on betamethasone should advise about which vaccination issue?

• Live vaccines should be avoided during significant immunosuppression
• All vaccines are safe without restriction
• Vaccination is unnecessary while on corticosteroids
• Live vaccines enhance steroid efficacy

Correct Answer: Live vaccines should be avoided during significant immunosuppression

Q19. Which structural characteristic differentiates betamethasone from prednisone with clinical relevance?

• Betamethasone has higher mineralocorticoid activity than prednisone
• Betamethasone is long-acting with minimal mineralocorticoid activity
• Prednisone is long-acting with negligible mineralocorticoid effects
• Both have identical duration and receptor selectivity

Correct Answer: Betamethasone is long-acting with minimal mineralocorticoid activity

Q20. Topical betamethasone potency compared to topical hydrocortisone is generally:

• Much lower potency than hydrocortisone
• Similar potency to hydrocortisone
• Higher potency than hydrocortisone
• Not used topically

Correct Answer: Higher potency than hydrocortisone

Q21. Which pharmacokinetic property explains why betamethasone sodium phosphate is used for IV injection?

• It is highly lipophilic and insoluble
• It is a water-soluble ester suitable for parenteral administration
• It has a very short shelf life
• It cannot cross cell membranes

Correct Answer: It is a water-soluble ester suitable for parenteral administration

Q22. In terms of endocrine feedback, prolonged exogenous betamethasone leads to:

• Stimulation of endogenous ACTH secretion
• Suppression of hypothalamic CRH and pituitary ACTH release
• Permanent pituitary hyperplasia
• No change in the HPA axis

Correct Answer: Suppression of hypothalamic CRH and pituitary ACTH release

Q23. Which drug interaction increases systemic corticosteroid exposure by inhibiting metabolism?

• Rifampicin
• Ketoconazole
• Carbamazepine
• Phenobarbital

Correct Answer: Ketoconazole

Q24. Betamethasone therapy can mask signs of infection because it:

• Increases fever and inflammation markers
• Suppresses inflammatory and immune responses
• Directly kills bacteria and fungi
• Enhances leukocyte chemotaxis

Correct Answer: Suppresses inflammatory and immune responses

Q25. Which patient counseling point is appropriate for topical betamethasone cream?

• Apply large amounts to broken skin to accelerate healing
• Use the lowest potency and shortest duration necessary to reduce side effects
• There is no risk of systemic absorption regardless of area and duration
• Abruptly stop after long-term use without concern

Correct Answer: Use the lowest potency and shortest duration necessary to reduce side effects

Q26. Which lab abnormality may develop during chronic high-dose betamethasone therapy?

• Hypokalemia due to transcellular shift and renal loss
• Severe leukopenia
• Marked hypouricemia
• Profound hypoglycemia

Correct Answer: Hypokalemia due to transcellular shift and renal loss

Q27. For short-course antenatal betamethasone to promote fetal lungs, typical administration is:

• Single high-dose oral tablet to the mother
• Two intramuscular doses given 24 hours apart
• Continuous intravenous infusion for 7 days
• Topical application to the abdomen

Correct Answer: Two intramuscular doses given 24 hours apart

Q28. Which chronic condition requires careful risk–benefit assessment before prescribing betamethasone?

• Well-controlled seasonal allergy with topical therapy only
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus due to hyperglycemia risk
• Mild acne vulgaris
• Acute uncomplicated otitis externa

Correct Answer: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus due to hyperglycemia risk

Q29. In pharmacy practice, which storage or handling advice is correct for injectable betamethasone preparations?

• Store injectable betamethasone at high temperatures above 40°C
• Follow manufacturer recommendations for storage; protect from extreme temperatures and contamination
• Never check expiration dates for parenteral corticosteroids
• Always dilute in alcohol before IV administration

Correct Answer: Follow manufacturer recommendations for storage; protect from extreme temperatures and contamination

Q30. Which statement about switching from systemic betamethasone to a shorter-acting steroid is correct?

• Switching requires no dose adjustment because effects are identical
• Equivalent glucocorticoid dosing must be calculated to avoid under- or over-replacement and adrenal crisis
• Always double the dose when switching to prednisone
• Switching eliminates risk of HPA axis suppression immediately

Correct Answer: Equivalent glucocorticoid dosing must be calculated to avoid under- or over-replacement and adrenal crisis

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com