clobetasol propionate at a glance
Medicine class
Very potent topical corticosteroid.
Main roles
Resistant inflammatory or itchy skin conditions, including selected forms of psoriasis, lichen planus and discoid lupus. Scalp products have formulation-specific licences.
Application
Apply only to the prescribed skin or scalp area and wash your hands afterwards unless treating them.
Fire safety
Some preparations are flammable or make fabrics more flammable. Keep away from smoking, flames and heat.
What is clobetasol propionate used for?
Licences differ by formulation, site and patient group:
Cream and ointment: resistant inflammatory or itchy steroid-responsive skin conditions, including selected psoriasis, recalcitrant dermatoses, lichen planus and discoid lupus.
Scalp application: steroid-responsive scalp disorders such as psoriasis and recalcitrant dermatoses.
Cutaneous foam: scalp dermatoses such as psoriasis that have not responded satisfactorily to less active corticosteroids, in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
Shampoo: moderate scalp psoriasis in adults.
How does clobetasol propionate work?
It acts inside skin cells to suppress inflammatory signalling. This reduces swelling, redness, itching and pain and constricts small blood vessels locally.
clobetasol propionate preparations and strengths
Cutaneous foam
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 500 micrograms/g
Shampoo
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 500 micrograms/g
How to take clobetasol propionate
Follow the directions for the specific formulation and treat only the prescribed area.
Cream or ointment: gently spread a thin layer over the affected skin in the direction of hair growth. Allow it to absorb before applying an emollient.
Shampoo: apply to the affected dry scalp, massage in, leave uncovered as directed and rinse thoroughly. Avoid the eyes.
Foam: hold the container upside down and dispense onto the lesion or a cool surface rather than warm hands; massage gently into the scalp. Keep away from flames and heat.
Scalp application: apply through the hair to the affected scalp and allow it to dry. Avoid smoking, flames, heat and hairdryers during and immediately after use.
Wash your hands after application unless they are being treated. Do not use an occlusive dressing unless specifically directed.
clobetasol propionate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary burning, stinging, itching or pain where applied.
- Folliculitis with the shampoo.
- With greater exposure, skin thinning, stretch marks and visible small blood vessels.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction.
- New or worsening skin infection, or pus-filled lesions during psoriasis treatment.
- New blurred vision or other visual disturbance.
- Features of adrenal suppression or excess corticosteroid exposure, including weakness, faintness, growth effects in children or Cushingoid changes.
- Withdrawal reaction after prolonged use, with burning or redness extending beyond the treated area, peeling or oozing.
clobetasol propionate in pregnancy
Topical corticosteroids can be used during pregnancy because systemic absorption is usually small. However, clobetasol is very potent and product information advises use only when clearly necessary. Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy should prompt prescriber review, particularly if extensive exposure is anticipated.
clobetasol propionate while breastfeeding
Topical corticosteroids are generally compatible with breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant, although product-specific information recommends clobetasol only when clearly needed. Prevent the baby touching treated skin, wash your hands before handling the baby and remove treatment from the breast before feeding. Cream is easier to remove than ointment.
clobetasol propionate interactions
Systemic interactions are uncommon but become more relevant when skin absorption is increased.
Ritonavir and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
They can reduce corticosteroid metabolism and increase systemic exposure, especially with extensive or prolonged topical use.
Itraconazole and other strong azole CYP3A4 inhibitors
They can increase systemic corticosteroid exposure by inhibiting metabolism.
Common questions about clobetasol propionate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is clobetasol propionate the same as clobetasone?
No. Their names are similar, but clobetasol is a very potent topical corticosteroid, whereas clobetasone is substantially less potent.
Can it be used on the face?
Only if a prescriber specifically directs it. Facial skin is particularly susceptible to thinning, and the foam must not be used on the face.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.