Clotrimazole-Betamethasone

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Sep 05, 2023

Warnings


Clotrimazole-Betamethasone Risks, Warnings, and Complications


Clotrimazole and betamethasone may cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for tinea infections if you are at an increased risk of adverse reactions or complications from this combination topical treatment. Some of the risks of taking clotrimazole and betamethasone include:

  • SYSTEMIC ABSORPTION: Topically applied corticosteroids can lead to sufficient systemic absorption and cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), and glucosuria (glucose in urine) in some patients. The use of this medicine over large surface areas, prolonged use, and use of occlusive dressings substantially increase the risk of adrenal suppression due to systemic toxicity. Also, using more than one corticosteroid topical product or taking systemically administered corticosteroids at the same time can increase your total systemic steroid exposure and risk of adverse events. 

  • LOCAL ADVERSE REACTIONS: Patients treated with clotrimazole and betamethasone topical combination may develop the following local adverse reactions in the treated skin area: Skin itching, irritation, dryness, redness, blistering, burning, or peeling. Stop using betamethasone and clotrimazole cream, and call your doctor if this occurs.

  • ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, mouth, or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.


Precautions Before Starting Clotrimazole-Betamethasone

Tell your doctor if you ever developed an allergic reaction after clotrimazole exposure, including topical or oral clotrimazole doses; an allergic reaction to betamethasone; any of the active or inactive ingredients in the topical combination of clotrimazole and betamethasone, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. This can help avoid possible interactions between your medications.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. Lotrisone cream may not be right for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, or Cushing’s syndrome.

Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are nursing an infant with breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Clotrimazole-Betamethasone

Use Lotrisone cream or lotion by gently massaging a thin layer of the medicine into affected skin areas twice a day, morning and evening. Tell your doctor if you do not see an improvement in your symptoms after 1 week (jock itch, ringworm) or 2 weeks (athlete’s foot).

Do not use clotrimazole and betamethasone for more than the prescribed treatment time (2 weeks for jock itch and ringworm and 4 weeks for athlete’s foot) without your doctor’s approval. Also, do not use more than 45 grams of the medicine in one week.

Avoid using an occlusive dressing on the treated skin area, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using clotrimazole and betamethasone.

Clotrimazole-Betamethasone Drug Interactions

Other drugs can affect how clotrimazole and betamethasone work. Possible drug interactions with other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.  

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and topical medications. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.