What is the use of Lotrisone (clotrimazole/betamethasone)?

From the Guidelines

Lotrisone (clotrimazole/betamethasone) is used to treat fungal infections and inflammatory skin conditions, such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch.

Key Uses

• Fungal infections
• Inflammatory skin conditions

Important Considerations

• Not specifically mentioned in the provided evidence for the treatment of psoriasis, however, betamethasone, a component of Lotrisone, is used in combination with calcipotriene for the treatment of psoriasis 1.
• Betamethasone is a potent topical corticosteroid, and its use in combination with calcipotriene has been shown to be effective in achieving clear or almost clear status in patients with psoriasis 1.
• The combination of calcipotriene and betamethasone is used to treat psoriasis, particularly for patients with mild to severe disease 1.
• Clotrimazole, the other component of Lotrisone, is an antifungal medication, and its use is not directly related to the treatment of psoriasis, but rather for fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch.
• The provided evidence focuses on the treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies, including corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and combination products 1.

From the Research

Use of Lotrisone (Clotrimazole/Betamethasone)

The use of Lotrisone, a combination of clotrimazole and betamethasone diproprionate, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of:

• Tinea pedis
• Tinea cruris
• Tinea corporis in adults and children more than 12 years of age 2 However, the use of Lotrisone has been criticized for being less effective, more expensive, and causing more adverse cutaneous reactions than antifungal monotherapy 2.

Adverse Effects and Contraindications

The most concerning adverse effects of Lotrisone were reported in children and included:

• Treatment failure
• Striae distensae
• Hirsuitism
• Growth retardation 2 Additionally, Lotrisone has been shown to have decreased efficacy in clearing candidal and Trichophyton infections as compared to single-agent antifungals 2. The use of Lotrisone in children, especially under the age of 12, is not recommended due to the potential for adverse effects 2, 3, 4.

Prescribing Patterns

Despite the potential risks and contraindications, Lotrisone is frequently prescribed by family physicians and pediatricians for inappropriate patient groups and body sites, including:

• Diaper dermatitis
• Sensitive areas (face, axillae, groin or diaper region) 4, 5, 6 Dermatologists, on the other hand, rarely prescribe Lotrisone and instead recommend alternative treatments or refer patients to specialists 5, 6.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatments for rashes or fungal infections are recommended, including:

• Antifungal monotherapy
• Topical corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory properties without the risks associated with high-potency topical corticosteroids 5, 6 Referral to dermatologists is also recommended for patients with persistent or recurrent infections 3, 6.