Lotrisone is a prescription-only combination topical medication formulated to address complex dermatological presentations where both fungal infection and inflammatory response are present. It contains two active pharmaceutical ingredients: clotrimazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal agent from the azole class, and betamethasone dipropionate, a potent corticosteroid. This synergistic formulation is designed not only to eradicate the causative fungal pathogens but also to rapidly alleviate the associated pruritus, erythema, and swelling, providing comprehensive therapeutic management. It is indicated for specific diagnoses where this dual mechanism of action is clinically warranted.

Features

• Contains 1% clotrimazole USP and 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate USP.
• Available as a cream formulation for optimal skin absorption and spreadability.
• Combines a potent antifungal with a high-potency (Group II) corticosteroid.
• Designed for topical application only; not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.
• Typically supplied in 15 gram and 45 gram tubes.

Benefits

• Provides targeted, dual-action therapy against both the infection and the inflammation it causes.
• Offers rapid relief from debilitating symptoms such as intense itching, redness, and scaling.
• Effectively eradicates common dermatophytes including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum.
• Helps restore skin integrity and comfort, improving quality of life during treatment.
• Convenient twice-daily application regimen supports patient adherence.

Common use

Lotrisone is specifically approved for the topical treatment of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis (ringworm) caused by susceptible organisms, in patients where the concomitant inflammatory manifestations are significant. Its use is reserved for cases where a corticosteroid-responsive dermatosis is co-diagnosed with a confirmed or suspected superficial fungal infection. It is not intended for prophylactic use, for mild or uncomplicated cases, or for use in pediatric patients without specific medical guidance due to the potential for systemic absorption of the corticosteroid component.

Dosage and direction

Apply a thin layer of Lotrisone cream to the affected skin area and gently rub in. The standard application frequency is twice daily, in the morning and the evening. The treatment area should be clean and dry before application. Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after application, unless the hands are the treatment site. The duration of therapy should be limited. For tinea cruris and tinea corporis, treatment should not exceed two weeks. For tinea pedis, treatment should not exceed four weeks. Use is not recommended for occlusive dressing unless directed by a physician, as this can significantly increase percutaneous absorption of the corticosteroid. Do not use more than 45 grams per week.

Precautions

Lotrisone contains a high-potency corticosteroid; therefore, systemic absorption can occur and may lead to reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Use with caution in patients with liver impairment. If irritation or sensitization develops, treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Avoid contact with the eyes. As with other corticosteroids, use on the face, groin, or axillae should be limited and undertaken with great caution due to a higher risk of striae and skin atrophy. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.

Contraindications

Lotrisone is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clotrimazole, betamethasone dipropionate, other imidazoles, other corticosteroids, or any other component of the formulation. Its use is contraindicated in the presence of viral skin diseases (e.g., varicella, vaccinia, herpes simplex), fungal infections not caused by dermatophytes (e.g., candidiasis, systemic mycoses), bacterial skin infections (unless concomitant appropriate antimicrobial therapy is administered), and parasitic infections. It is also contraindicated for the treatment of acne, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects are local and may include: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. Systemic absorption of the corticosteroid may produce effects including: HPA axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, intracranial hypertension in children, growth retardation in children, glaucoma, cataracts, and aggravation of diabetes mellitus.

Drug interaction

Formal topical drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Lotrisone. However, because systemic absorption of the corticosteroid component may occur, interactions similar to those seen with systemic corticosteroids are possible. Caution is advised when used concomitantly with other drugs that can inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism, as this could potentially affect the clearance of corticosteroids. There are no known interactions between clotrimazole and other drugs when used topically.

Missed dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Topically applied Lotrisone can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Acute overdose is unlikely from topical application. However, chronically applied excessive amounts or use under occlusive dressings could lead to sufficient systemic absorption to produce symptoms of hypercorticism (Cushing’s syndrome). These effects are usually reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions are permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It 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 medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided is not all-inclusive and is based on general product characteristics; individual patient response may vary.

Reviews

Clinical efficacy is well-documented in dermatological literature. In controlled studies, Lotrisone demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing signs and symptoms of inflammatory tinea infections compared to clotrimazole monotherapy, primarily due to the rapid anti-inflammatory action of betamethasone. Many clinicians report it as a valuable tool for severe, pruritic cases. However, expert reviews consistently emphasize the critical importance of correct diagnosis and limited duration of use to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged potent corticosteroid application, particularly skin atrophy and the potential for tachyphylaxis or rebound flare upon discontinuation. Patient reviews often highlight the rapid relief from itching, though some report local skin reactions.