Betamethasone / Clotrimazole Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 12, 2023.

Applies to betamethasone/clotrimazole topical: topical cream, topical lotion.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, betamethasone/clotrimazole topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking betamethasone / clotrimazole topical:

Less common side effects

• blistering, burning, itching, peeling, dryness, redness, or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• hives

Rare side effects

• chills
• cough
• fever
• hoarseness
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• rash
• stinging
• swelling

Incidence not known

• blindness
• blurred vision
• change in vision
• decreased vision
• dry mouth
• eye pain
• full or round face, neck, or trunk
• headache
• irritability
• nausea
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• softening of the skin
• stomach pain
• tearing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to betamethasone / clotrimazole topical: topical cream, topical lotion.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects are rash, edema, paresthesia, and secondary infections.^[Ref]

Local

Topical corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, blistering, peeling, redness, swelling, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, irritation, telangiectasia, sensitization^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia
• Frequency not reported: Intracranial hypertension^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Growth retardation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Rash, maculopapular rash

Betamethasone dipropionate:

• Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, skin atrophy, striae miliaria, ecchymoses, telangiectasia

Clotrimazole:

• Frequency not reported: Erythema, stinging, blistering, peeling, pruritus, urticaria, general irritation^[Ref]

Immunologic

Betamethasone dipropionate:

• Frequency not reported: Sensitization^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Topical corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Glucosuria^[Ref]

Ocular

Betamethasone dipropionate:

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision^[Ref]

Metabolic

Topical corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Edema, secondary infection

Betamethasone dipropionate:

• Frequency not reported: Secondary infection

Clotrimazole:

• Frequency not reported: Edema^[Ref]

Further information

Betamethasone/clotrimazole topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer