Home : Drugs A - Z : Betamethasone-clotrimazole topical

What is this medicine?
BETAMETHASONE; CLOTRIMAZOLE (bay ta METH a sone; kloe TRIM a zole) is a corticosteroid and antifungal cream. It treats ringworm and infections like jock itch and athlete's foot. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by these infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• dark red spots on the skin
• lack of healing of skin condition
• loss of feeling on skin
• painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles
• skin infection
• sores or blisters that do not heal properly
• thinning of the skin or sunburn

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry or peeling skin
• minor skin irritation, burning, or itching

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I use this medicine?
This cream is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. If treating hand or nail infections, wash hands before use only. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and rub in gently. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with an airtight bandage (like a plastic bandage). Use the cream for the full course of treatment prescribed, even if you think the condition is getting better. Use the medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not use this medicine for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. When applying to the groin area, apply a small amount and do not use for longer than 2 weeks unless directed to by your doctor or health care professional. Do not get this cream in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 17 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or take extra doses.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
If using this medicine on your body or groin tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 1 week. If using this medicine on your feet tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks. Tell your doctor if your skin infection returns after you stop using this cream.

If you are using this cream for 'jock itch' be sure to dry the groin completely after bathing. Do not wear underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic fibers like rayon or nylon. Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.

If you are using this cream for athlete's foot be sure to dry your feet carefully after bathing, especially between the toes. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials like rayon or nylon. Wear clean cotton socks and change them at least once a day, change them more if your feet sweat a lot. Also, try to wear sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated.

Do not use this cream to treat diaper rash.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• large areas of burned or damaged skin
• skin thinning
• peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation
• an unusual or allergic reaction to betamethasone, clotrimazole, other corticosteroids, other antifungals, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.