Candid B Lotion is a clinically formulated, dual-action topical medication designed for the effective management of fungal skin infections complicated by inflammation. It combines the potent antifungal agent Clotrimazole with the powerful corticosteroid Beclomethasone Dipropionate. This synergistic approach not only eradicates the causative pathogens but also provides rapid symptomatic relief from associated redness, swelling, and itching. It is indicated for a range of dermatological conditions, including tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and candidiasis, offering a comprehensive therapeutic solution prescribed by dermatologists for targeted, effective care.

Features

• Active Ingredients: Contains 1% w/w Clotrimazole USP and 0.025% w/w Beclomethasone Dipropionate IP.
• Mechanism of Action: Clotrimazole acts by disrupting the cell membrane integrity of susceptible fungi, leading to cell death. Beclomethasone Dipropionate is a potent corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation by inhibiting multiple inflammatory mediators.
• Vehicle Formulation: Utilizes a non-greasy, water-washable lotion base for easy application and rapid absorption without occluding the skin.
• Spectrum of Activity: Effective against dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis), yeasts (Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur), and other fungi.
• Packaging: Supplied in an airtight, light-protective container (e.g., 15g, 30g tubes) to ensure pharmaceutical stability.

Benefits

• Dual-Action Efficacy: Simultaneously treats the underlying fungal infection and controls the inflammatory response, addressing both cause and symptom.
• Rapid Symptomatic Relief: Provides prompt alleviation of pruritus (itching), erythema (redness), scaling, and burning sensations, improving patient comfort within days.
• Prevention of Secondary Complications: By reducing inflammation and itching, it minimizes scratching, thereby lowering the risk of secondary bacterial infections and lichenification (skin thickening).
• Enhanced Treatment Adherence: The fast-acting relief of uncomfortable symptoms encourages patients to complete the full course of therapy, which is crucial for preventing recurrence.
• Targeted Application: The lotion formulation allows for precise application to affected areas, even those with hair, and is suitable for moist or intertriginous areas (skin folds).

Common use

Candid B Lotion is primarily prescribed for the treatment of superficial fungal infections of the skin where inflammation is a significant component. Its common uses include:

• Tinea infections: Such as tinea corporis (ringworm on the body), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot).
• Cutaneous Candidiasis: Fungal infections caused by Candida species, often occurring in warm, moist areas like the groin, armpits, and under the breasts.
• Pityriasis Versicolor: A fungal infection caused by Malassezia furfur that causes discolored patches on the skin.
• Inflammatory Dermatophyte Reactions: Cases where a significant inflammatory response, such as blistering or severe itching, accompanies the fungal infection.

Dosage and direction

The dosage and duration of treatment should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the diagnosis, severity, and location of the infection.

1. Application: Gently cleanse and thoroughly dry the affected area before application.
2. Amount: Apply a thin film of the lotion sufficient to cover the affected area and a small portion of the surrounding healthy skin. A pea-sized amount is often adequate for an area the size of an adult hand.
3. Frequency: Typically applied twice daily (morning and night) or as directed by a physician.
4. Duration: Treatment usually continues for 2 to 4 weeks. For athlete’s foot, treatment may be recommended for up to 4 weeks to prevent relapse. It is imperative to continue use for the full prescribed period, even if symptoms improve earlier, to ensure the infection is completely eradicated.
5. Method: Gently massage the lotion into the skin until absorbed. Wash hands thoroughly after application, unless the hands are the treated area.

Precautions

• For External Use Only: Candid B Lotion is not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.
• Avoid Occlusion: Do not use tight-fitting dressings or bandages over the treated area unless specifically directed by a doctor, as occlusion increases systemic absorption of the steroid component and the risk of local adverse effects.
• Avoid Facial and Thin-Skinned Areas: Use on the face, groin, or axillae (armpits) should be limited and only under strict medical supervision due to higher absorption rates and increased risk of skin atrophy (thinning), striae (stretch marks), and telangiectasia (visible blood vessels).
• Discontinuation: If no clinical improvement is observed after 2-4 weeks of treatment, the diagnosis should be re-evaluated.
• Systemic Effects: Prolonged use over large body surface areas, use under occlusion, or use on compromised skin barriers can lead to sufficient systemic absorption of the corticosteroid to suppress the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), potentially causing reversible glucocorticosteroid insufficiency.

Contraindications

Candid B Lotion is contraindicated in patients with:

• A known hypersensitivity to clotrimazole, beclomethasone dipropionate, any other corticosteroids, or any other ingredients in the formulation.
• Viral skin infections (e.g., herpes simplex, chickenpox, vaccinia).
• Bacterial skin infections unless accompanied by appropriate anti-bacterial therapy.
• Tuberculous or syphilitic lesions of the skin.
• Rosacea and perioral dermatitis.

Possible side effect

Most side effects are localized and related to the corticosteroid component. Their likelihood increases with prolonged use.

• Common: Burning sensation, itching, irritation, dryness, and erythema at the site of application.
• Less Common: Folliculitis, hypertrichosis (increased hair growth), hypopigmentation, allergic contact dermatitis.
• With Prolonged Use/Occlusion: Skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, miliaria (heat rash), and secondary infections.
• Rare: Systemic absorption may lead to manifestations of hypercorticism (Cushing’s syndrome), including glucose intolerance, hypertension, and HPA axis suppression.

Drug interaction

Formal topical drug interaction studies have not been conducted. However, considerations include:

• The concomitant use of other topical corticosteroids, acne preparations, or abrasive/peeling agents may increase the risk of severe local irritation and skin damage.
• The potential for interactions with systemically administered drugs is low due to minimal expected systemic absorption. However, caution is advised in patients on other drugs that suppress the immune system.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose

Topically applied Candid B Lotion is not expected to produce acute systemic effects from a single application of a large amount. However, chronic overdose or misuse (prolonged application over large areas under occlusion) can lead to systemic corticosteroid effects as described in the “Possible side effects” section. There is no specific antidote. Treatment involves discontinuation of the product and supportive management of any systemic symptoms. In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15°C - 30°C), protected from light and moisture.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.

Reviews

• “As a practicing dermatologist, I find Candid B Lotion to be an indispensable tool for inflammatory tinea cases. The combination therapy ensures patients get rapid relief from itching, which greatly improves compliance. The lotion base is particularly useful for intertriginous areas.” – Dr. A. Sharma, MD (Dermatology)
• “Suffered from a severe and itchy case of jock itch for weeks. My doctor prescribed this. The itching was significantly reduced within two days, and the rash had completely cleared by the end of the two-week course. The lotion was non-sticky and absorbed quickly.” – Verified Patient
• “Effective formulation. I reserve it for cases where inflammation is the predominant feature alongside a confirmed fungal diagnosis. It’s important to counsel patients on the limited duration of use to avoid steroid-related side effects.” – Dr. K. Lee, Dermatologist
• “I had a stubborn fungal infection on my feet that wouldn’t go away with OTC creams. This prescription lotion worked where others failed. It’s important to use it for the full time the doctor says.” – Verified Patient