Purpose: Despite concern associated with the necessity of an additional fluorinated, high potency topical corticosteroid, the clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate combination remains a frequently prescribed topical agent in the US. This research was performed to better understand the physician and patient characteristics associated with the prescription of this combination medication in outpatient settings.
Methods: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (1990-2000) were used to determine the patient and physician factors associated with a prescription for clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate. The most common diagnoses of patients treated with the drug were also determined.
Results: Family medicine physicians were more than twice as likely (OR: 2.28, 95%CI: 1.56, 3.33) and internists were more than 3 times as likely (OR: 3.10, 95%CI: 1.99, 4.84) to prescribe clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate compared to pediatricians, the reference category. Dermatologists were less likely to prescribe these medications compared to pediatricians (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.54). Prescription for potentially inappropriate indications was detected across all specialties. Prescription rates of the combination medication were higher among patients of non-white race (OR: 1.56, CI: 1.08, 2.26).
Conclusions: The increased risk of potentially inappropriate prescription of clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate by physicians across all specialties and increased probability of medication receipt in racial minorities is of concern, when safer alternatives such as antifungals or anti-inflammatory medications without the side effects of the combination medication are easily available.