$Unique_ID{BRK03050} $Pretitle{} $Title{betamethasone dipropionate and clotrimazole combination (topical)} $Subject{Lotrisone Schering Adrenocorticosteroid hormone antifungal betamethasone dipropionate clotrimazole fungal infections the fungi yeast Candida adrenocorticosteroids cortisone skin inflammation redness swelling itching discomfort} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. betamethasone dipropionate and clotrimazole combination (topical) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Lotrisone (Schering) TYPE OF DRUG Adrenocorticosteroid hormone and antifungal INGREDIENTS betamethasone dipropionate and clotrimazole DOSAGE FORM Topical cream (0.05% betamethasone dipropionate and 1% clotrimazole) STORAGE This medication should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a tightly closed container. Discard any outdated or unneeded medication. USES Betamethasone dipropionate and clotrimazole combination is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent that prevents the growth and multiplication of a wide range of fungi and yeast, including Candida. Betamethasone dipropionate belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenocorticosteroids (or cortisone-like medications). Your adrenal glands naturally produce certain cortisone-like chemicals. These chemicals are involved in various regulatory processes in the body. Betamethasone dipropionate is added to this combination to relieve skin inflammation (redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort). TREATMENT Before applying betamethasone dipropionate and clotrimazole combination, you should wash your hands. Then, unless your doctor tells you to do otherwise, cleanse the affected area with soap and water. Pat the skin with a clean towel until it is almost dry. Gently massage a small amount of the cream over the entire area that is affected and the skin immediately surrounding this area. Avoid applying the medication to areas with cuts or open wounds. Don't bandage or cover the area after applying the medication, unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Wash your hands again after application. Improvement in your condition may not become apparent for as long as a week after you begin treatment with this drug. However, you should be sure to complete the full course of medication. If you stop using this drug too soon, resistant fungi are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur. If your condition has not improved after four weeks, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR. Clotrimazole may not be effective against the organism causing your infection. If you miss a dose of this drug, apply the dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next application. In that case, do not apply the missed dose; just return to your regular schedule. Do not put twice as much of the drug on your skin at the next application. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Acne and burning sensation. You may also experience some burning, itching, redness, or stinging when this drug is applied to the skin. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blistering, increased hair growth, irritation, loss of skin color, peeling of the skin, swelling, or thinning of the skin with easy bruising. INTERACTIONS Betamethasone dipropionate and clotrimazole combination should not interact with other medications as long as it is used according to directions. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to betamethasone dipropionate or other adrenocorticosteroids (amcinonide, clocortolone, cortisone, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, flumethasone, fluocinolone, fluocinonide, fluorometholone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, and triamcinolone) or to clotrimazole. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had blood vessel disease, chicken pox, diabetes mellitus, fungal infection, peptic ulcers, pulmonary tuberculosis, shingles, tuberculosis of the skin, vaccinia, or any other type of infection, especially at the site being treated. * If irritation develops while using this drug, immediately discontinue its use and notify your doctor. * This product is not for use in the eyes or on mucous membranes; contact may result in side effects. * Do not use this product with an occlusive wrap unless your doctor directs you to do so. Systemic absorption of this drug is increased if extensive areas of the body are treated, particularly if occlusive bandages are used. If it is necessary for you to use this drug under a wrap, follow your doctor's instructions exactly; do not leave the wrap in place longer than specified. * If you are using this medication on a child's diaper area, do not put tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on the child. This may lead to increased systemic absorption of the drug and a possible increase in side effects. * Elderly patients and younger children have naturally thinner skin, and, therefore, the drug is more likely to be absorbed. Report any adverse effects to your doctor. * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only. A subsequent infection, or one that someone else has, may require a different medication. Therefore, you should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless directed to do so by your doctor. * In order to avoid reinfection, keep the affected area clean and dry, wear freshly laundered clothing, and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If large amounts of this drug are applied for prolonged periods, some of it will be absorbed and may cross the placenta. Although studies in humans have not been conducted, birth defects have been observed in the offspring of animals that were given large oral doses of adrenocorticosteroids during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this type of drug may pass into breast milk and cause growth suppression or a decrease in adrenocorticosteroid production in the nursing infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.