Lotriderm Cream

What is Lotriderm?

Lotriderm combines two active ingredients, clotrimazole 1% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064%. Combining an antifungal agent and a corticosteroid (steroid) in a cream. It is applied directly to areas of skin that have become inflamed, red, itchy and irritated due to a fungal skin infection to quickly clear the infection and soothe the skin.

Lotriderm is manufactured by Organon Pharma and is suitable for use, under advice from a doctor, by adults and children under the age of 12 years.

What is Lotriderm used for?

Lotriderm effectively kills fungus and eases symptoms of skin irritation that is caused by the following fungal skin infections:

• Athlete’s Foot
• Ringworm
• Jock itch

If you are unsure if your skin rash or irritation is caused by a fungal infection you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor or pharmacist to make sure you receive the correct treatment.

How does Lotriderm work?

Lotriderm cream contains an antifungal component and a steroid that work in two ways to kill the fungus and to reduce irritation and inflammation.

• Clotrimazole (antifungal) - kills the invading fungus by preventing them from being able to produce ergosterol, an essential substance needed to maintain their cell membranes. Without a functional membrane, the cells are unable to survive.
• Betamethasone (steroid) - is a strong steroid that helps to reduce redness, itching and inflammation of the skin by preventing the production of the chemicals that are released by the body in response to irritation.

How quickly does Lotriderm work?

Within the first few days of treatment, most people should notice an improvement in the appearance and feel of their skin. Your doctor will advise you on how long you will need to use Lotriderm cream. You must complete your full course of treatment to avoid your skin becoming reinfected.

Alternatives to Lotriderm

At The Independent Pharmacy, we stock a range of non-prescription and prescription treatments for fungal skin and nail infections. If you are unsure what is causing your skin irritation you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor or pharmacist before starting any course of treatment.

Non-prescription alternative treatments include:

• Clotrimazole 1% Cream
• Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream (clotrimazole & hydrocortisone)
• Daktacort Cream (hydrocortisone & miconazole)

Sources

• Lotriderm Cream, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1962/pil
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/betamethasone-skin/
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/b...

How to use Lotriderm

Lotriderm cream should be used exactly as directed. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before use. For external use only for adults and children over the age of 12 years.

1. Wash your hands before and after use.
2. Gently massage the cream into the affected areas and surrounding skin twice a day, morning and evening.
3. You should not use Lotriderm for more than 10 days.

If your skin condition has not improved after using Lotriderm for 7 days, you should see your doctor.

Lotriderm side effects

Some people have reported experiencing a stinging sensation or have developed a rash or skin irritation when using Lotriderm cream.

You may also experience the following side effects:

• Redness, blistering, peeling, swelling, itching, dryness
• Inflammation of the hair follicles
• Excessive hair growth
• Darkening of the skin
• Skin inflammation around the mouth
• Thinning of the skin and red marks.
• Blurred vision

If you are worried about any side effects you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before use.

Lotriderm ingredients

The active ingredients in each gram of Lotriderm are: Clotrimazole 10mg and betamethasone dipropionate 0.64mg.

The other ingredients include: liquid paraffin; white soft paraffin; cetostearyl alcohol; macrogol cetostearyl ether; benzyl alcohol; sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate; phosphoric acid concentrated; sodium hydroxide; propylene glycol (E 1520); purified water.

Lotriderm warnings

• Do not use Lotriderm: if you are allergic to any of the ingredients; if your skin becomes irritated; on rosacea, acne, dermatitis or nappy rash.
• If you have psoriasis you will need to speak to a doctor regularly to review your treatment. Seek advice if you develop pus-filled bumps under your skin.
• Contact a doctor immediately if you develop visual disturbances.
• Using more Lotriderm than is recommended or using it for longer than advised can cause changes to your hormone levels, which can lead to puffiness, rounding of the face, weakness, tiredness or dizziness.

Lotriderm in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Lotriderm if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.