Clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream for hemorrhoids

What is this medication?

CLOTRIMAZOLE; BETAMETHASONE (kloe TRIM a zole; bay ta METH a sone) is a corticosteroid and antifungal cream. It treats ringworm and infections like jock itch and athlete's foot. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by these infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lotrisone

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

How should I use this medication?

This cream is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. If treating hand or nail infections, wash hands before use only. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and rub in gently. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with an airtight bandage (like a plastic bandage). Use the cream for the full course of treatment prescribed, even if you think the condition is getting better. Use the medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not use this medicine for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. When applying to the groin area, apply a small amount and do not use for longer than 2 weeks unless directed to by your doctor or health care professional. Do not get this cream in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 17 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or take extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

If using this medicine on your body or groin tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 1 week. If using this medicine on your feet tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks. Tell your doctor if your skin infection returns after you stop using this cream.

If you are using this cream for 'jock itch' be sure to dry the groin completely after bathing. Do not wear underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic fibers like rayon or nylon. Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.

If you are using this cream for athlete's foot be sure to dry your feet carefully after bathing, especially between the toes. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials like rayon or nylon. Wear clean cotton socks and change them at least once a day, change them more if your feet sweat a lot. Also, try to wear sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated.

Do not use this cream to treat diaper rash.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C ( 59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Hemorrhoids are collections of connective tissue, arteries and veins that can develop around your anus or inside your rectum. Hemorrhoidal symptoms range from the benign, such as itching, to the serious, such as bleeding or debilitating pain. Your doctor normally can treat your hemorrhoidal symptoms non-operatively. On rare occasions, surgery may be necessary. No matter how serious your symptoms are, always seek treatment from a colon and rectal specialist, a physician formerly known as a proctologist. Often, treament may include only conservative measures such as stool softeners and topical steroids such as betamethasone, a stong steroid preparation or other forms of topical steroids. In the severest forms, hemorrhoids may require an operative treatment.

Hemorrhoids can be external or internal, large or small. External hemorrhoids are located either inside or outside the anal canal. Internal hemorrhoids are located high in the anal canal, are more prone to bleeding and can produce a light anal discharge that triggers severe itching. When it comes to hemorrhoids, size does not always matter. Small hemorrhoids can cause big problems, and large hemorrhoids may cause no problems at all. What does matter is the severity of your symptoms.

Hemorrhoids sometimes can prolapse, or protrude outside the anal canal. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful, but sometimes they recede without any treatment. When hemorrhoids enlarge and clot, a thrombotic hemorrhoid forms. Thrombotic hemorrhoids can be intensely painful and bleed as the swollen vein breaks through the skin. Non-thrombotic external hemorrhoids also can cause bleeding, pain or anal itching.

Most treatment for hemorrhoids begins with bulking your stool with fiber or synthetic bulking agents. Your doctor may advise that you eat more high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans and legumes. Synthetic bulking agents are sold in the over-the-counter section of your pharmacy or market. These simple interventions help eliminate the trauma of hard stool irritating the anal area.

Topical steroids such as betamethasone, when applied as directed and supervised by your doctor, soothe the anal area by decreasing the inflammation. Prescription-strength ointments can provide rapid relief, but these medications must not be used over a long period of time because prolonged use can weaken or irritate the anal skin.

When minimal intervention measures fail, your physician may attempt more aggressive treatments such as surgical hemorrhoidectomy, or hemorrhoid removal; banding, a procedure in which doctors stop the hemorrhoidal blood flow with rubber bands; sclerotherapy, or injection therapy, which involves injecting the areas around the hemorrhoids with dilute phenol, a chemical solution; infrared coagulation, or coagulation therapy, in which your doctor heats the hemorrhoid with an infrared light to cut off its blood supply; or the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, PPH, in which your doctor uses a stapling device to partially remove and reposition the hemorrhoidal tissue.

It is important to confirm that your symptoms are not caused by something more serious such as anal cancer. Benign problems such as an anal fissure can mimic hemorrhoidal symptoms, but the treatment is very different for a fissure. Do not fear seeking medical attention. A colon and rectal specialist can diagnose your problem quickly, gently and skillfully.

Disclaimer

Dr. Hoffman does not endorse any products seen on this website.

Can clotrimazole be used on hemorrhoids?

What is clotrimazole and betamethasone cream used for hemorrhoids?

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