betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole at a glance
Medicine class
Topical imidazole antifungal combined with a corticosteroid
Usual role
Treats susceptible tinea or Candida skin infections while relieving associated redness and itching
Administration
For the skin only; avoid the eyes and occlusive dressings
What is betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole used for?
Licensed uses include:
Susceptible tinea infections affecting the body, groin or feet
Cutaneous candidiasis caused by Candida albicans
How does betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole work?
Clotrimazole inhibits production of ergosterol, an essential part of fungal cell membranes. Betamethasone dipropionate reduces local inflammation and itching but is not antifungal.
How to take betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole
Use only on the skin and follow the prescription label. Massage into the affected and nearby skin, wash your hands afterwards unless they are being treated, and keep the cream away from the eyes. Do not apply it to open wounds or large areas of damaged skin, or cover it with an occlusive dressing.
Food does not affect this skin treatment.
Stop and contact the prescriber if marked irritation or sensitisation develops.
Seek review if the infection worsens or does not improve.
betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Burning, stinging, itching or local irritation
- Redness, rash or swelling
- Dryness, peeling or blistering of treated skin
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Blurred vision or another new visual disturbance
- Skin thinning, stretch marks, easy bruising or colour changes, particularly with excessive exposure
- Secondary infection or rapidly worsening skin disease
- Rare systemic corticosteroid effects such as facial rounding, weakness or dizziness
betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole in pregnancy
Use only after a prescriber has assessed the benefits and potential fetal risks, particularly if exposure could be extensive.
betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole while breastfeeding
Ask the prescriber or pharmacist before use. Specialist guidance considers topical betamethasone and antimicrobial combinations compatible with breastfeeding because maternal absorption is usually very small. Prevent the baby touching treated skin; remove cream from the breast with warm water before feeding and wash your hands.
betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole interactions
No medicine interactions are known for the licensed cream. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other treatments used on the same skin area.
Other topical products
Concurrent products may alter application or irritate the skin.
Common questions about betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why does it contain both a steroid and an antifungal?
Clotrimazole acts against the fungus, while betamethasone dipropionate reduces accompanying inflammation and itching.
Can it treat ringworm or athlete's foot?
The cream is licensed for susceptible tinea infections of the body, groin and feet. A clinician should confirm that the combination is appropriate.
Can it treat bacterial or viral skin infections?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.