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
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.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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 breast-feeding.
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.
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. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
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.
Missed Dose
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.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
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.
