Name Clobetasol Propionate
Classes Dermatological/Topical Agent
Steroid
Astringent
Hormone
Diseases Allergy
Eczema
Rash
Redness
Skin Disorder

Clobetasol Propionate

Clobetasol is an extremely potent topical corticosteroid suggested for the short-term treatment of more resistant inflammatory and pruritic symptoms of steroid responsive dermatoses unresponsive to less potent corticosteroids in adults, the elderly, and children over the age of one year.

Clobetasol is indicated for-

  • Psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis)
  • Recalcitrant dermatoses
  • Lichen planus
  • Discoid lupus erythematosus
  • Other skin conditions which do not respond satisfactorily to less potent steroids.
  • Eczema
  • Apply thinly and gently rub in, barely enough to cover the entire affected area once or twice a day until improvement develops (this may take a few days in more responsive situations), then lower the frequency of application or switch to a less effective product. Allow enough time for each application to absorb before applying an emollient.
  • Exacerbations can be managed with repeated short courses of clobetasol propionate.

Side effects more or less common with Clobetasol are-

  • Pruritus
  • local skin irritation /skin pain
  • Skin atrophy
  • striae
  • telangiectasias
  • Erythema

 

  • Cases of osteonecrosis serious infections (including necrotizing fasciitis) and systemic immunosuppression (sometimes resulting in reversible Kaposi's sarcoma lesions) have been reported with long-term use of clobetasol propionate beyond the recommended doses. In some cases patients used concomitantly other potent oral/topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressors (e.g. methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil). If treatment with local corticosteroids is clinically justified beyond 4 weeks, a less potent corticosteroid preparation should be considered.
  • Clobetasol should be used with caution in patients with a history of local hypersensitivity to other corticosteroids or to any of the excipients in the preparation. Local hypersensitivity reactions may resemble symptoms of the condition under treatment.
  • Manifestations of hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) and reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, leading to glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, can occur in some individuals as a result of increased systemic absorption of topical steroids. If either of the above are observed, withdraw the drug gradually by reducing the frequency of application, or by substituting a less potent corticosteroid. Abrupt withdrawal of treatment may result in glucocorticosteroid insufficiency 

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any component of the medication.

The following conditions should not be treated with Clobetasol:

  • Untreated cutaneous infections
  • Rosacea
  • Acne vulgaris
  • Pruritus without inflammation
  • Perianal and genital pruritus
  • Perioral dermatitis