$Unique_ID{BRK01850}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE AND CLOTRIMAZOLE COMBINATION (TOPICAL)}
$Subject{Lotrisone (Schering)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE AND CLOTRIMAZOLE COMBINATION (TOPICAL)
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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  Discard any outdated or unneeded medication.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 medication, 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 medication 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, 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.  If absorbed through the skin,
small amounts of this type of drug pass into breast milk and may cause growth
suppression or a decrease in adrenocorticosteroid production in the nursing
infant.

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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.
