CLOTRIMAZOLE-BETAMETHASONE TOPICAL

GENERIC NAME(S): CLOTRIMAZOLE/BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lotrisone

Uses

  • For inflamed fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch
  • Contains 2 medications:
    • Clotrimazole: azole antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus
    • Betamethasone: corticosteroid that works by reducing the swelling, redness, and itching that occurs in the skin infection
  • Not recommended for children younger than 17 years or for diaper rash

How to use clotrimazole-betamethasone topical

  • Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this medication in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
  • If you are using the lotion form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each use.
  • Use this medication only on the skin.
  • Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening) or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands after using unless you are using this medication to treat the hands.
  • Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothes after applying the medication to the groin area.
  • Do not apply the medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.
  • The dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated.
  • Ringworm or jock itch: 2 weeks
  • Athlete’s foot: 4 weeks
    • Do not use more than 45 grams of the cream or 45 milliliters of the lotion per week unless directed and closely monitored by your doctor.
  • Do not apply more often or use longer than prescribed. This may increase the risk of side effects.
  • Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Warnings

Not available.

Side Effects

  • Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
    • Burning, tingling, dry skin, or stinging
  • Serious side effects (rare; inform your doctor immediately)
    • extreme hair growth, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, stretch marks, “hair bumps” (folliculitis)
    • Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid.
    • more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin
    • Unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems
  • Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:
    • Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

Precautions

Precautions

  • Inform your doctor
    • Allergy to clotrimazole or betamethasone; or to other azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole) or corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone) or any allergies
    • Medical History, especially if you have:
      • immune system problems, poor blood circulation
  • Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially thinning skin.
  • Before having surgery or emergency treatment, inform doctor
  • Although unlikely, this medication may slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time. The effect on final adult height is unknown. See the doctor regularly so your child’s height can be checked.
  • During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
  • It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

 

Interactions

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

  • Products that may interact with this medication include:
    • drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine), other corticosteroid products (e.g., prednisone).

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away.

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

  • Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects, especially if you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

  • Room temperature
  • Do not expose to light and moisture
  • Do not store in the bathroom
  • Keep all medications away from pets and children
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so
  • Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed
    • Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product

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