Clotrimazole Betamethasone Lotion

Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion contains combinations of clotrimazole, a synthetic antifungal agent, and betamethasone dipropionate, a synthetic corticosteroid, for dermatologic use.

Chemically, clotrimazole is 1-(o-chloro-α,α-diphenylbenzyl) imidazole, with the empirical formula C22H17CIN2, a molecular weight of 344.84, and the following structural formula:

Clotrimazole is an odorless, white crystalline powder, insoluble in water and soluble in ethanol.

Betamethasone dipropionate has the chemical name 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate, with the empirical formula C28H37FO7, a molecular weight of 504.59, and the following structural formula:

Betamethasone dipropionate is a white to creamy white, odorless crystalline powder, insoluble in water.

Each gram of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion contains 10 mg clotrimazole, USP and 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate, USP (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone), in a hydrophilic base of ceteareth-30, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, phosphoric acid, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium phosphate monobasic, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum; benzyl alcohol as preservative.

Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion is opaque and white in color.

In the treatment of tinea pedis twice daily for 4 weeks, clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion was shown to be superior to vehicle in relieving symptoms of erythema, scaling, pruritus, and maceration at Week 2. Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion was also shown to have a superior mycological cure rate compared to vehicle 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. It is unclear if the relief of symptoms at 2 weeks in this clinical study with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion was due to the contribution of betamethasone dipropionate, clotrimazole, or both.

In the treatment of tinea cruris twice daily for 2 weeks, clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion was shown to be superior to vehicle in the relief of symptoms of erythema, scaling, and pruritus after 3 days. It is unclear if the relief of symptoms after 3 days in this clinical study with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion was due to the contribution of betamethasone dipropionate, clotrimazole, or both.

The comparative efficacy and safety of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion versus clotrimazole alone in a lotion vehicle have not been studied in the treatment of tinea pedis or tinea cruris or tinea corporis. The comparative efficacy and safety of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion and clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream have also not been studied.

Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion is indicated in patients 17 years and older for the topical treatment of symptomatic inflammatory tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis due to Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. Effective treatment without the risks associated with topical corticosteroid use may be obtained using a topical antifungal agent that does not contain a corticosteroid, especially for noninflammatory tinea infections. The efficacy of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion for the treatment of infections caused by zoophilic dermatophytes (e.g., Microsporum canis) has not been established.

Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion is contraindicated in patients who are sensitive to clotrimazole, betamethasone dipropionate, other corticosteroids or imidazoles, or to any ingredient in this preparation.

Amounts greater than 45 mL/week of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion should not be used. Acute overdosage with topical application of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion is unlikely and would not be expected to lead to a life-threatening situation. Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion should not be used for longer than the prescribed time period.

Topically applied corticosteroids, such as the one contained in clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS).

Gently massage sufficient clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion into the affected skin areas twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion should not be used longer than 2 weeks in the treatment of tinea corporis or tinea cruris, and amounts greater than 45 mL per week of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion should not be used. If a patient with tinea corporis or tinea cruris shows no clinical improvement after one week of treatment with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion, the diagnosis should be reviewed.

Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion should not be used longer than 4 weeks in the treatment of tinea pedis and amounts greater than 45 mL per week of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion should not be used. If a patient with tinea pedis shows no clinical improvement after 2 weeks of treatment with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion, the diagnosis should be reviewed.

Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate lotion should not be used with occlusive dressings.