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.
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.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or if it
does not get better after 1 week of treatment for jock itch or ringworm or
2 weeks of treatment for athlete's foot.
Burning, tingling, dry skin, or stinging may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 you have any serious side
effects, including:
- extreme hair growth
- skin thinning/discoloration
- acne
- stretch marks
- small red bumps on the skin (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, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to clotrimazole or betamethasone; or to
other azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole) or corticosteroids (such as
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
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. 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 temporarily
slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor
regularly so your child's height can be checked.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially thinning skin.
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
breastfeeding.
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.
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland
function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if
you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large
areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
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. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
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.