Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: clotrimazole and betamethasone
BRAND NAME: Lotrisone
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lotrisone is a cream or lotion consisting of
a combination of the drugs clotrimazole and betamethasone. Clotrimazole is an
anti-fungal drug related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral),
itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth
of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that
surround fungal cells. Betamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used
topically on the skin. Corticosteroids suppress inflammation as well as the
body's immune response.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Cream or lotion: 1% clotrimazole and 0.05% betamethasone
STORAGE: Lotrisone can be stored at room temperature, cream at 2-30 C
(36-86 F) and lotion at 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Lotrisone is used for the treatment of local fungal
infections such as tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"),
tinea cruris ("jock itch"),
or tinea corporis (fungal infections elsewhere on the body).
DOSING: Lotrisone cream is gently massaged into the affected skin and
surrounding area in the morning and evening. The treated skin should not be
bandaged, covered, or wrapped in order to avoid excessive absorption of
Lotrisone into the body.
Lotrisone cream or lotion should not be used for more than 2 weeks for
treatment of tinea corporis or tinea cruris. If there is no clinical improvement
after one week of treatment, the diagnosis should be reviewed. Lotrisone should
not be used longer than 4 weeks for treatment of tinea pedis. If there is no
clinical improvement after 2 weeks of treatment, the diagnosis should be
reviewed. These limits on duration of use are based on the clinical studies that
were used by the FDA to approve Lotrisone and concerns that with longer use
absorption of betamethasone might be enough to have effects on the body. Amounts
greater than 45 g per week of Lotrisone cream or amounts greater than 45 mL per
week of Lotrisone lotion should not be used.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Long-term use or withdrawal of topical
corticosteroids may aggravate psoriasis. Therefore, there should be an interval
of at least 1 week between the discontinuance of topical steroids and the
starting of psoriasis treatment with anthralin (Psoriatec).
PREGNANCY: Safety of using Lotrisone during
pregnancy has not been
evaluated.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether clotrimazole or betamethasone
is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Local redness, stinging, blistering, peeling, swelling,
itching, hives, and burning at the area of application may occur. Other side
effects associated with Lotrisone include water retention (edema), decreased
pigmentation, stretch marks and infection due to bacteria. Growth retardation,
intracranial hypertension, Cushing's syndrome and skin atrophy have occurred in
pediatric patients.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 1/9/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
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