CLOTRIMAZOLE/BETAMETHASONE - TOPICAL

CLOTRIMAZOLE/BETAMETHASONE - TOPICAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (kloe-TRIM-a-zole/BAY-ta-METH-a-sone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lotrisone

GENERIC NAME(S): clotrimazole/betamethasone dipropionate

Uses

USES: This combination medication is used to treat a variety of inflamed fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. This product contains 2 medications. Clotrimazole is an azole antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus. Betamethasone is a strong corticosteroid that works by reducing the swelling, redness, and itching that occurs in the skin infection. This medication is not recommended for children younger than 17 years or for diaper rash.


How to use CLOTRIMAZOLE/BETAMETHASONE - TOPICAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using the lotion form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each use. Use this medication on the skin only. 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 is usually treated for 2 weeks, and athlete's foot is usually treated for 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. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve after 1 week of treatment for jock itch or ringworm or 2 weeks of treatment for athlete's foot.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, tingling, dry skin, or stinging may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to clotrimazole or betamethasone; or to other azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole) or corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: 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. Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months. Though it is 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. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Similar medications pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: other corticosteroid products (such as prednisone).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for CLOTRIMAZOLE/BETAMETHASONE - TOPICAL

Clotrimazole/Betamethasone topical is used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It also contains a steroid (betamethasone) which helps to reduce inflammation and itching.

Clean and dry the affected area before applying a thin layer of the medication. Gently rub it into the skin until it is evenly distributed. Avoid covering the area with occlusive dressings unless directed by your doctor.

Typically, this medication is applied twice daily (morning and evening) for a duration of 1 to 4 weeks. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the product label.

Clotrimazole/Betamethasone topical should not be used on the face, underarms, or groin area unless specifically instructed by your doctor. It is meant for external use only and may cause skin thinning or other side effects if used on sensitive areas.

Common side effects may include mild skin irritation, burning, or itching at the application site. Rarely, allergic reactions or worsening of the condition may occur. If you experience severe side effects such as skin thinning, blistering, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They can evaluate the potential risks and benefits to determine if it is safe for you.

Improvement in symptoms may be seen within a few days of starting treatment. However, complete resolution of the infection may take several weeks. It is important to continue using the medication as directed by your doctor even if symptoms improve, to prevent re-infection.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.