Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent used for the treatment of superficial infections caused by species of pathogenic dermatophytes, yeasts and Malassezia furfur. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of the synthesis of ergosterol, a major sterol in the fungal cell membrane. This leads to instability of the cell membrane and eventual death of the fungus. Betamethasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. But the exact mechanism of action of corticosteroids is not clearly known.

This topical preparation is indicated for the topical treatment of inflammatory dermal infections like-

• Tinea pedis
• Tinea cruris
• Tinea corporis etc.

Sufficient topical preparation should be applied onto the affected and surrounding skin areas twice a day, in the morning and evening, for 2 weeks in tinea cruris and tinea corporis and for 4 weeks in tinea pedis. The use of this cream for longer than four weeks is not recommended.

The safety and effectiveness of the preparation have not been established in children below the age of 12 years.

This topical preparation is contraindicated to those patients who are sensitive to any of its components or to other corticosteroids or to imidazoles. If irritation or sensitization develops with the use of the cream, treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. The cream is contraindicated in facial rosacea, acne vulgaris, perioral dermatits, perianal and genital pruritus, napkin eruptions and bacterial or viral infections. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroides can produce reversible hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug or to reduce the frequency of application. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their large skin surface to body mass ratios.

Adverse reactions reported for the preparation in clinical trials were paresthesia in 1.9% of patients, rash, edema and secondary infection, each in less than 1% of patients. Other adverse reactions reported with the preparation were burning and dry skin in 1.6% of patients and stinging in less than 1% of patients

Overdose Effects

Acute overdose with the cream is unlikely and would not be expected to lead to a life-threatening situation. The cream should not be used for longer than the prescribed time period.