Brand name:

Lotrisone

Why is Lotrisone prescribed?

Lotrisone cream and lotion contain a combination of a steroid (betamethasone) and an antifungal drug (clotrimazole). Lotrisone is used to treat skin infections caused by fungus, such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm of the body.

Betamethasone treats symptoms (such as itching, redness, swelling, and inflammation) that result from fungus infections, while clotrimazole treats the cause of the infection by inhibiting the growth of certain yeast and fungus organisms. If the infection is not inflamed, your doctor may prescribe a different medication.

Most important fact about Lotrisone

When you use Lotrisone, you inevitably absorb some of the medication through your skin and into the bloodstream. Too much absorption can lead to unwanted side effects elsewhere in the body. To keep this problem to a minimum, avoid using large amounts of Lotrisone cream or lotion over wide areas, and do not cover it with airtight dressings such as plastic wrap or adhesive bandage unless specifically told to by your doctor. If widespread application is unavoidable, your doctor may order periodic tests to make sure your body is not absorbing too much of Lotrisone.

How should you use Lotrisone?

Wash your hands before and after applying Lotrisone. If you are using Lotrisone lotion, shake it well before using. Lotrisone is for use only on the skin. Be careful to keep it out of the eyes, mouth, and vaginal area. Gently massage it into the affected area and surrounding skin twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Use Lotrisone for the full time prescribed, even if your condition has improved.

Lotrisone should be applied sparingly to the groin area, and it should not be used for longer than 2 weeks. Wear loose-fitting clothing.

--If you miss a dose...

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

Lotrisone side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Lotrisone.

• Side effects may include:
  Blistering, burning, dry skin, hives, infection, irritated skin, itching, peeling, reddened skin, skin eruptions and rash, stinging, swelling, tingling sensation

Why should Lotrisone not be prescribed?

You should not use Lotrisone if you are sensitive to clotrimazole or betamethasone or any of its other ingredients, or to similar steroid and antifungal medications.

Lotrisone is not recommended for children under 17 years of age. In this age group it is more likely to cause serious side effects such as stunted growth, thinning skin, and the set of symptoms called Cushing's syndrome. (See "Special warnings about this medication" for details.)

Special warnings about Lotrisone

Steroid drugs (such as betamethasone) can affect the functioning of the adrenal, hypothalamic, and pituitary glands and temporarily produce sugar in the urine, excessive blood sugar levels, and a disorder called Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include acne, depression, excessive hair growth, humped upper back, insomnia, moon-faced appearance, muscle weakness, obese trunk, paranoia, stretch marks, stunted growth (in children), wasted limbs, and susceptibility to bruising, fractures, and infection.

Do not take Lotrisone cream or lotion internally and be sure to keep it away from your eyes.

If you are using Lotrisone to treat jock itch (tinea cruris) or a fungal infection of the skin, called tinea corporis, and there has been no improvement after 1 week, notify your doctor.

If you are using Lotrisone to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis), notify your doctor if there is no improvement after 2 weeks of treatment.

Do not use Lotrisone for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. Do not use Lotrisone in the groin area or on the body for longer than 2 weeks or in the foot area for longer than 4 weeks.

Lotrisone should be used with caution by adults over age 65. In older adults, Lotrisone may cause skin reactions, especially thinning skin.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lotrisone

Do not combine Lotrisone with other steroid creams. Use of more than one steroid-containing product increases the chance of side effects.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Pregnant women should not use steroid drugs in large amounts or for prolonged periods of time. The effects of Lotrisone during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. The medication should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the developing baby. It is not known whether Lotrisone appears in breast milk. Nursing mothers should use Lotrisone with caution and only when clearly needed.

Recommended dosage for Lotrisone

ADULTS AND CHILDREN OVER 17 YEARS OLD

Overdosage

Any medication used in excess can have serious consequences. A life-threatening overdose of Lotrisone, which is applied to the skin, is unlikely. However, misuse or overuse of Lotrisone can cause disorders such as Cushing's syndrome. Be sure to check with your doctor if you suspect such a problem.