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.
Betamethasone and clotrimazole topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
Betamethasone and clotrimazole topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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.
You may not be able to use betamethasone and clotrimazole topical 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).
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 this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply betamethasone and clotrimazole 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.
This medicine 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.
How should I use betamethasone and clotrimazole topical?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
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 betamethasone and clotrimazole, 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.
Shake betamethasone and clotrimazole lotion well just before each use.
If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Do not use betamethasone and clotrimazole topical 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.
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.
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 betamethasone and clotrimazole topical 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.
Avoid getting betamethasone and clotrimazole topical in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
Do not use betamethasone and clotrimazole topical 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 betamethasone and clotrimazole, unless your doctor tells you to.
Betamethasone and clotrimazole topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: 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 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.
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.