Betamethasone/Clotrimazole, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: topical corticosteroid; antibiotic

Generic and brand names: betamethasone and clotrimazole, topical; Lotrisone

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a combination of a topical corticosteroid and an antibiotic. It is used on the skin to decrease inflammation and treat fungus infections of the skin or scalp.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• an allergy to any medicine
• a skin infection such as herpes
• tuberculosis

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine comes in the form of cream or lotion. If you have the lotion, shake it well before you use it.

Use this medicine only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Apply a thin layer and gently rub it in to the area where you need the medicine. Use it only as directed by your healthcare provider. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase your risk of side effects.

Do not get this medicine in or near your eyes or mouth.

Do not cover the area where you put the medicine with a bandage unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Using tight bandages may increase the risk of side effects. Wear loose-fitting underwear if you use the medicine in the groin area (between your legs). Do not use cosmetics or skin products without your healthcare provider's approval.

Use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if your symptoms improve.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this medicine for other infections unless your healthcare provider approves.

An adult should supervise the use of this medicine by a child. Do not put tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child when the skin problem is in the groin area. This medicine is not recommended for treating diaper rash in babies or small children.

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve within a few days or if it gets worse.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Redness, skin irritation, swelling, burning, or pain that continues or gets worse.

Other: Itching, dryness, loss of skin color.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other medicines, strong soap, medicated cosmetics, or products containing alcohol on the affected area unless your healthcare provider approves.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.