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Clotrimazole/Betamethasone

Pronounced

"kloh-TRIM-uh-zole/bay-tuh-METH-uh-sown"

Common brand names:

Lotriderm

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 This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask 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 as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening). 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.