Generic name: betamethasone and clotrimazole topical [BAY-ta-METH-a-sone-and-kloe-TRIM-a-zole-TOP-ik-al]
Brand name: Lotrisone
Drug class: Topical steroids with anti-infectives
Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is Lotrisone?
Lotrisone cream contains a combination of betamethasone and clotrimazole. Betamethasone is highly potent steroid that reduces itching, swelling, and redness of the skin.
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.
Lotrisone cream a prescription medication used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
Lotrisone cream should not be used in children under 17 years of age.
Warnings
Do not use Lotrisone cream on a child younger than 17 years old. Children are more likely to absorb the steroid through the skin.
Never use Lotrisone cream to treat diaper rash.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or tight clothing, unless your doctor has told you to.
It may take up to 1 or 2 weeks of using Lotrisone before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your groin symptoms do not improve after 1 week, or if your foot symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use
Before taking this medicine
You may not be able to use Lotrisone if you are allergic to betamethasone or clotrimazole, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to:
other steroid medicines (such as dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, triamcinolone, and others); or
other antifungal medicines (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole).
To make sure Lotrisone cream is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
cataract or glaucoma;
liver disease; or
an adrenal gland disorder.
Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.
Using highly potent steroid medicine during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birthweight in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Lotrisone cream. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply Lotrisone cream to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, apply this medicine to the smallest skin area and for the shortest amount of time possible to treat your condition.
Lotrisone cream is not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.
Lotrisone pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)
How should I use Lotrisone cream?
Use Lotrisone cream exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets..
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Wash your hands before and after using Lotrisone cream, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to. Keep your skin clean and dry to avoid further infection.
Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.
If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Do not use Lotrisone cream to treat diaper rash.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of using this medicine (or after 2 weeks if using the medicine on your feet).
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the lotion in an upright position.
Detailed Lotrisone dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
High doses or long-term use of Lotrisone cream can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while using Lotrisone cream?
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagin*.
Do not use Lotrisone cream to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with Lotrisone cream, unless your doctor tells you to.
Lotrisone side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lotrisone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
worsening of your skin condition;
redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin - weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.
Common Lotrisone side effects may include:
numbness, tingling, or stinging;
skin dryness or rash;
swelling; or
new infections.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Lotrisone side effects (more detail)
What other drugs will affect Lotrisone cream?
Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Lotrisone drug interactions (more detail)
Popular FAQ
No, fluocinonide is not an antifungal cream. It is a potent topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) treatment used to treat skin inflammation (redness and swelling) and itching of conditions such as plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or other steroid-responsive skin conditions. Continue reading
More about Lotrisone (betamethasone / clotrimazole topical)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (1)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical steroids with anti-infectives
Patient resources
- Lotrisone (Betamethasone and Clotrimazole Cream) patient information
- Lotrisone (Betamethasone and Clotrimazole Lotion)
Professional resources
- Lotrisone prescribing information
Related treatment guides
- Tinea Cruris
- Tinea Corporis
- Tinea Pedis
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Lotrisone cream only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.
Medical Disclaimer
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