Betamethasone Clotrimazole
In brief
- Betamethasone with clotrimazole is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
- Used to treat fungal skin infections such as tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm) and occasionally inflamed cutaneous candidiasis; clotrimazole is an antifungal that disrupts fungal cell membrane/ergosterol synthesis, while betamethasone dipropionate is a potent topical corticosteroid that suppresses local inflammation and itching.
- Usual dose for adults: apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily (morning and evening); typical courses are 2 weeks for tinea cruris/corporis and up to 4 weeks for tinea pedis; discontinue if no improvement and consult a prescriber.
- Form of administration: topical cream (most common) containing clotrimazole 1% and betamethasone 0.05% in a 30 g tube.
- Onset time: anti‑inflammatory and symptomatic relief (reduced itching/redness) may begin within hours to 24–48 hours; antifungal effects take several days to weeks to clear the infection.
- Duration of action: effects from a single application generally persist for around 12–24 hours (hence twice-daily use); recommended treatment courses are short (typically 2–4 weeks) to avoid steroid adverse effects.
- Alcohol warning: there is no direct interaction with moderate alcohol consumption; do not apply the cream to mucous membranes or swallow it.
- The most common side effect is local skin irritation such as burning, stinging, dryness, redness and itching; prolonged or excessive use can cause skin atrophy, striae, hypopigmentation or, rarely, systemic steroid effects like HPA‑axis suppression.
- Would you like to try betamethasone clotrimazole without a prescription?
Legal status and availability in the UK
Betamethasone with clotrimazole is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, betamethasone clotrimazole is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Basic betamethasone clotrimazole information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Betamethasone and clotrimazole (commonly as betamethasone dipropionate + clotrimazole)
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Lotriderm
- ATC code: D07XC01 (betamethasone, combinations)
- Forms and dosages: cream containing clotrimazole 1% and betamethasone (as dipropionate) 0.05%, supplied in a 30 g tube
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Organon (Lotriderm)
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Licensed by the MHRA; prescription-only medicine
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Product snapshot and composition
Active ingredients and ATC codes
The active ingredients are betamethasone dipropionate (potent topical corticosteroid) and clotrimazole (azole antifungal).
The ATC code for the combination is D07XC01 (D01AC01 for clotrimazole alone).
The typical cream contains clotrimazole 1% with betamethasone 0.05%.
Dosage forms, strengths and packaging
Available as a cream, commonly supplied in a 30 g tube.
| Form | Strength | Common package sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream | Clotrimazole 1% / Betamethasone 0.05% | 30 g tube |
A branded product containing this combination is Lotriderm.
Regulatory status: MHRA‑licensed and Rx-only in the UK.
Indications
Approved therapeutic uses
The combination is indicated for inflammatory superficial fungal infections such as tinea pedis, tinea cruris and tinea corporis.
It may also be used for cutaneous candidiasis when significant inflammation is present.
Practical selection criteria
Choose this combination when a patient has a confirmed or strongly suspected superficial fungal infection with significant inflammation or itching that requires rapid symptomatic relief.
Avoid using the combination as first‑line therapy for uncomplicated, non‑inflamed tinea where a single‑agent antifungal would suffice.
- Confirm the diagnosis clinically or by prior assessment where possible.
- Use when inflammation (itching, erythema) is prominent alongside fungal signs.
- Avoid if viral or bacterial infection is suspected, or the lesion is mucosal or facial.
Indications and contraindicated conditions
- Indications: Tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and inflamed cutaneous candidiasis.
- Contraindications: Viral skin infections (herpes, varicella), tubercular or bacterial lesions, perioral dermatitis, acne, rosacea, or known allergy to azoles or corticosteroids.
How it works — pharmacology in plain terms
Antifungal mechanism (clotrimazole)
Clotrimazole inhibits fungal ergosterol synthesis, disrupting the fungal cell membrane and preventing growth.
This antifungal action clears the causative dermatophytes or yeasts responsible for tinea and candidiasis.
Anti‑inflammatory mechanism (betamethasone)
Betamethasone dipropionate is a potent topical corticosteroid that suppresses local inflammatory pathways.
The steroid quickly reduces redness, swelling and itch so patients experience symptomatic relief.
| Ingredient | Action | Clinical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Clotrimazole | Inhibits ergosterol synthesis; disrupts fungal membranes | Stops fungal growth and helps clear the infection |
| Betamethasone dipropionate | Suppresses local inflammatory mediators | Reduces redness, swelling and itch quickly |
Clinical caveat: steroids used alone can mask infection; the combination balances symptom relief with antifungal therapy but must be used for limited durations to reduce steroid adverse effects.
Practical dosing and administration
Standard adult dosing
Apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily (morning and evening).
For tinea cruris and tinea corporis, standard duration is up to 2 weeks.
For tinea pedis, treatment may be continued for up to 4 weeks.
If there is no improvement after the recommended duration, stop treatment and seek reassessment.
Application tips to improve outcomes
Wash and dry the area thoroughly before applying the cream.
Do not use occlusive dressings unless instructed by a prescriber.
Measure amounts using fingertip units: a pea‑sized amount for small lesions, larger areas need appropriate fingertip unit guidance.
If a dose is missed, apply as soon as remembered and do not double the next dose.
- Do: Finish the course prescribed; keep the treated area dry and ventilated for tinea pedis.
- Don’t: Apply to the face, eyes, or mucous membranes; avoid prolonged continuous use beyond recommended duration.
Contraindications and cautions
Absolute contraindications
Do not use if there is a known hypersensitivity to clotrimazole, betamethasone or any excipient in the preparation.
Avoid in viral skin infections (herpes simplex, varicella), bacterial or tubercular skin lesions, perioral dermatitis, acne or rosacea.
Refrain from application to the face or mucous membranes unless directed by a specialist.
Situations requiring caution or supervision
Use with caution in patients with diabetes because systemic steroid absorption can raise blood glucose in rare circumstances.
Exercise care in immunosuppressed patients and in young children due to the risk of HPA axis suppression with potent topical steroids.
Monitor elderly patients for skin thinning and secondary infections when prescribing for extended periods or over large areas.
Refer to a GP if you are unsure whether this cream is suitable for an at-risk patient.
Adverse effects and monitoring
Common local effects
Most patients experience mild local reactions such as transient burning, stinging, dryness or mild erythema.
Longer use can cause skin atrophy, hypopigmentation, striae and secondary infection.
Rare systemic risks and red flags
Systemic steroid effects are rare but may include HPA axis suppression, Cushingoid features, hyperglycaemia and visual changes.
These risks increase with prolonged use, large treated surface area, occlusion or in children.
| Side effect | Likelihood | Action to take |
|---|---|---|
| Burning, stinging | Common | Reassure if mild; stop if persistent and review |
| Skin atrophy, striae | Uncommon with short courses | Stop prolonged use; consider alternative treatment |
| HPA axis suppression | Rare | Seek endocrine review if systemic signs appear |
Ask patients to report worsening infection, spread of rash, signs of systemic steroid exposure (weight gain, fatigue) or visual disturbance.
Special populations: children, elderly, pregnancy and comorbidity
Paediatrics
Use extreme caution in children because percutaneous absorption is higher and the risk of HPA axis suppression is increased.
If used in children, reduce duration and monitor closely for growth, behaviour and endocrine changes.
Pregnancy, lactation and comorbidities
Use during pregnancy or lactation only if the expected benefit justifies potential risk to the mother and child.
Avoid treating large surface areas or prolonged use in pregnancy.
Comorbidities such as diabetes or immunosuppression require closer supervision.
- Paediatric note: dose reduction and close monitoring advised.
- Elderly note: increased local adverse effect risk due to thinner skin.
- Pregnancy/lactation: consult prescriber before use.
Comparators and alternative treatments
When to choose alternatives
For uncomplicated, non‑inflamed tinea, single‑agent topical antifungals such as clotrimazole or topical terbinafine are preferred first‑line options.
Consider combinations with milder steroids (clotrimazole + hydrocortisone) if inflammation is present but a less potent steroid is adequate.
Other combination products
Other combination products include Daktacort (miconazole + hydrocortisone) and Canesten HC (clotrimazole + hydrocortisone).
Fucicort contains an antibiotic with betamethasone and is used for mixed bacterial‑inflammatory lesions, not simple tinea.
| Product | Active | Steroid potency | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lotriderm | Clotrimazole + Betamethasone | Potent | Inflamed tinea where rapid symptom relief is needed |
| Canesten HC | Clotrimazole + Hydrocortisone | Mild | Mild inflammatory fungal infections |
| Daktacort | Miconazole + Hydrocortisone | Mild | Inflamed fungal lesions with less severe inflammation |
Choose betamethasone plus clotrimazole when significant inflammation necessitates a potent steroid under supervision.
Storage
Storage at home
Store at room temperature between 20–25°C and protect from excess heat and moisture.
Do not freeze and keep the cap closed when not in use.
Return unused product to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
FAQs, troubleshooting and red‑flag advice
Common FAQ items
Can I use this cream on the face? No, avoid facial use unless specifically advised by a prescriber.
How long should I use it? Two weeks for groin/body and up to four weeks for feet are the usual maximum recommended durations.
Can I stop when the itch improves? No, complete the full course or seek medical review to avoid relapse.
Is it safe in pregnancy? Use only if essential and advised by a prescriber.
When to seek medical review
Seek urgent GP or pharmacist escalation if the infection worsens despite a full recommended course.
Contact a prescriber if new widespread rash develops, systemic steroid signs appear (weight gain, fatigue, moon face), or visual disturbances occur.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle | England | 9–21 days |
| Norwich | England | 9–21 days |
