What is Clotrimazole-Betamethasone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Updated May 14,
2025 • Published Dec 30,
2020
Topical clotrimazole and betamethasone is a generic prescription drug used to treat fungal infections of the skin including, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. Clotrimazole is the drug that fights off the fungus by stopping its growth. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid. As a topical medication, clotrimazole-betamethasone is applied directly to the infected skin. Side effects are usually minor, but topical corticosteroids like betamethasone do have the potential to cause significant side effects like hormone problems or eye problems.
Clotrimazole-betamethasone is a topical drug that treats fungal infections of the skin, including athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), and jock itch (tinea cruris).
What form(s) does Clotrimazole-Betamethasone come in
Cream
1% clotrimazole/0.05% betamethasone (10 mg/0.64 mg per gram)
Lotion
1% clotrimazole/0.05% betamethasone
What are common Clotrimazole-Betamethasone doses?
For athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): Massage cream or lotion on the affected skin twice daily for two weeks
For ringworm (tinea corporis): Apply a thin film of cream or massage sufficient lotion on the affected skin twice daily for one week
For fungal infections of the groin (tinea cruris): Apply a thin film of cream or massage sufficient lotion on the affected skin twice daily for one week
Common Clotrimazole-Betamethasone prescriptions
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone 30ml of 1-0.05% bottle
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone 15gm of 1-0.05% tube
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone 45gm of 1-0.05% tube
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone 15gm of 1-0.05% tube of cream
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone 45gm of 1-0.05% tube of cream
How to take Clotrimazole-Betamethasone
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use this medicine only on your skin.
Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Do not use clotrimazole-betamethasone on your face, armpits, or inside the vagina.
Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
How to apply clotrimazole-betamethasone cream:
For athlete’s foot, gently massage a sufficient amount of the cream into the affected skin.
For jock itch or ringworm, apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area.
Wash your hands when finished.
Store the tube of cream at room temperature.
How to apply clotrimazole-betamethasone lotion:
Shake the bottle well before applying a dose.
Gently massage a sufficient amount of the lotion into the affected skin.
Wash your hands when finished.
Store the lotion bottle upright at room temperature.
Do not cover, wrap, or bandage the treated skin.
If using clotrimazole-betamethasone to treat jock itch, do not wear tight-fitting clothes over the treated area.
Use this medicine for the full duration of treatment prescribed even if the infection seems to go away. Do not miss any doses.
Do not use more than 45 grams of cream or 45 milliliters (mL) of lotion per week.
This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use clotrimazole-betamethasone to treat jock itch and ringworm for more than 2 weeks or for more than 4 weeks to treat athlete’s foot.
What to do if you miss a dose of Clotrimazole-Betamethasone
Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose.
Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole, betamethasone, drugs similar to clotrimazole called imidazole antifungals, or drugs similar to betamethasone called corticosteroids.
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor may need to visit with you or do blood tests to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Though rare, clotrimazole-betamethasone cream or lotion may cause the following problems:
Adrenal gland problems
Cataracts
Glaucoma
High blood sugar
Cushing’s syndrome (a condition caused by too much corticosteroids in the body)
Immediately stop using clotrimazole-betamethasone and contact a doctor if you notice vision changes such as blurred vision or eye pain.
If athlete’s foot does not improve after 1 week of treatment, or if ringworm or jock itch does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
Do not use this medicine on anyone younger than 17 years of age.
Do not use this medicine to treat diaper rash.
Keep clotrimazole-betamethasone out of the reach of children.
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before using clotrimazole-betamethasone.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Avoid using clotrimazole-betamethasone with other corticosteroids such as prednisone. This includes over-the-counter topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone cream. Talk to the doctor before using such products.
Clotrimazole-Betamethasone side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Vision changes, blurred vision, eye pain, red eyes
Fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, dark skin patches
Weight gain, puffy face, fat deposits on the neck, shoulder hump, bruising
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Clotrimazole-betamethasone can also cause serious side effects that have no symptoms including:
