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Overview: Clotrimazole/betamethasone is used to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Clotrimazole is a medicine to treat a fungal infection, and betamethasone is a medicine to reduce inflammation. The most common side effects are tingling or pricking sensation, dry skin, rash, fluid retention, and other skin infections. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any changes in your vision or get a severe headache.

Uses

What is clotrimazole/betamethasone used for?

Clotrimazole/betamethasone is commonly used to treat athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm (tinea corporis), which are fungal skin infections that can cause itching, burning, and cracking. 

Clotrimazole/betamethasone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does clotrimazole/betamethasone work (mechanism of action)?

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that stops certain types of fungi from growing by disrupting their cell structure.

Betamethasone belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids. It may help skin conditions by decreasing swelling and regulating the immune system.

How is clotrimazole/betamethasone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lotrisone

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1%/0.05% topical cream
  • 1%/0.05% topical lotion

How should I store clotrimazole/betamethasone?

Clotrimazole/betamethasone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Clotrimazole/betamethasone topical lotion should only be stored in the upright position.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of clotrimazole/betamethasone?

The most common side effects of clotrimazole/betamethasone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tingling, pricking, burning sensation (paraesthesia)
  • Dry skin (topical lotion)
  • Rash (topical cream)
  • Fluid retention (topical cream)
  • Other skin infections (topical cream)

There may be other side effects of clotrimazole/betamethasone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of clotrimazole/betamethasone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of clotrimazole/betamethasone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Clotrimazole/betamethasone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using clotrimazole/betamethasone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Clotrimazole/betamethasone can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use clotrimazole/betamethasone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying clotrimazole/betamethasone, or use clotrimazole/betamethasone on damaged skin. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Clotrimazole/betamethasone can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use clotrimazole/betamethasone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying clotrimazole/betamethasone, or use clotrimazole/betamethasone on damaged skin. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acnes
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Clotrimazole/betamethasone may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use clotrimazole/betamethasone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying clotrimazole/betamethasone, or use clotrimazole/betamethasone on damaged skin. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Vision Problems (Topical Cream). Clotrimazole/betamethasone topical cream may cause cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Skin Reactions. Clotrimazole/betamethasone can rarely cause skin-related side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of application
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use clotrimazole/betamethasone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use clotrimazole/betamethasone.

  • Clotrimazole
  • Betamethasone
  • Any other medicine known as a corticosteroid or an imidazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific clotrimazole/betamethasone products they stock.

What should I know about clotrimazole/betamethasone before using it?

Do not use clotrimazole/betamethasone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share clotrimazole/betamethasone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep clotrimazole/betamethasone out of the reach of children.

Clotrimazole/betamethasone is for use on the skin only. Keep clotrimazole/betamethasone away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina. 

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where clotrimazole/betamethasone is applied, unless your healthcare provider instructed you to do so. If you are using clotrimazole/betamethasone in the groin area, wear loose-fitting clothing.

Use clotrimazole/betamethasone for the full prescribed duration, even if the symptoms get better.

If you are using clotrimazole/betamethasone for jock itch or ringworm, tell your healthcare provider if the condition does not improve after one week. For athlete’s foot, tell your healthcare provider if the  condition does not improve after two weeks.

Avoid using clotrimazole/betamethasone topical cream on your face or armpits.

Do not use more than 45 grams of clotrimazole/betamethasone cream in one week. This is equal to a whole tube if you are given a 45-gram tube, or three tubes if you are given a 15-gram tube.

Shake clotrimazole/betamethasone lotion well before each use.

Thoroughly wash your hands after each application of clotrimazole/betamethasone.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using clotrimazole/betamethasone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if clotrimazole/betamethasone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Clotrimazole/betamethasone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using clotrimazole/betamethasone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Clotrimazole/betamethasone can cause adrenal insufficiency. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Liver Problems. Liver problems can increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any known or suspected liver problems. 

Diabetes. Clotrimazole/betamethasone can increase your blood sugar. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetes.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how clotrimazole/betamethasone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if clotrimazole/betamethasone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use clotrimazole/betamethasone while breastfeeding. Avoid getting clotrimazole/betamethasone on your breasts, especially your nipples.

Interactions

Does clotrimazole/betamethasone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between clotrimazole/betamethasone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect clotrimazole/betamethasone.

Does clotrimazole/betamethasone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using or taking any other corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions. This includes a corticosteroid that you take by mouth or apply to your skin, such as prednisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with clotrimazole/betamethasone. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much clotrimazole/betamethasone?

If you or someone else has used too much clotrimazole/betamethasone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of clotrimazole/betamethasone?

If you miss your scheduled dose of clotrimazole/betamethasone, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply clotrimazole/betamethasone more often than prescribed.