Clobetasol propionate

What Is Clobetasol propionate

Clobetasol propionate gel, cream and ointment contain the active compound clobetasol propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid, for topical dermatologic use.

What are the uses of this medicine?

• Like other topical corticosteroids, clobetasol propionate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
• Clobetasol propionate gel, cream and ointment are super-high potency corticosteroid formulations indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses.

How does this medicine work?

• Clobetasol, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of glucocorticoid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity.
• The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear.
• However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins.
• It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid.
• Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?

• Clobetasol propionate gel, cream and ointment should not be used in the treatment of rosacea or perioral dermatitis and it should not be used on the face, groin, or axillae.

Is this medicine FDA approved

• Clobetasol propionate was patented in 1968 and came into medical use in 1978.
• It is available as a generic medication.
• In 2017, it was the 209th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than two million prescriptions.

How should this medicine be used?

• Apply a thin layer of clobetasol propionate gel, cream or ointment to the affected skin areas twice daily and rub in gently and completely.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

• Clobetasol propionate gel, cream and ointment are super-high potency topical corticosteroids; therefore, treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks, and amounts greater than 50 g per week should not be used.
• As with other highly active corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control has been achieved.
• If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.

This medicine is available in following brand names:

• Clobex®
• Cormax®
• Embeline®
• Olux®
• Temovate®

What side effects can this medication cause?

Common possible side effects of fluoxetine include:

• burning sensation
• stinging sensation
• itching
• skin atrophy
• cracking and fissuring of the skin.
• erythema
• folliculitis
• numbness of fingers
• telangiectasia

Other side effects in children and adolescents include:

• Cushing's syndrome has been reported in infants and adults as a result of prolonged use of topical clobetasol propionate formulations.

What special precautions should I follow?

• This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
• This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
• The treated skin area should not be bandaged, otherwise covered or wrapped, so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician.
• Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions to the physician.
• Patients should inform their physicians that they are using clobetasol propionate if surgery is contemplated.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• Topically applied clobetasol propionate gel, cream and ointment can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects.

Can this medicine be used in pregnency?

• There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of the teratogenic potential of clobetasol propionate in pregnant women.
• Clobetasol propionate gel, cream and ointment should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Can this medicine be used for Pediatrics?

• Safety and effectiveness of clobetasol propionate gel, cream and ointment in pediatric patients have not been established.
• Use in children under 12 years of age is not recommended.
• Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Store at controlled room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
• DO NOT REFRIGERATE.

• Dailymed label info on Clobetasol propionate
• FDA Clobetasol propionate