clobetasone butyrate at a glance
Medicine class
Moderately potent topical corticosteroid.
Where it is used
Applied externally to affected skin as a cream or ointment.
Choosing a formulation
Cream suits moist or weeping skin; ointment suits dry, thickened or scaly skin.
Fire safety
Residue on clothing, bedding or dressings can increase flammability. Keep away from smoking and naked flames.
What is clobetasone butyrate used for?
Selected products are licensed to relieve inflammation and itching in corticosteroid-responsive skin disorders.
Atopic dermatitis, including eczema
Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Nappy rash
Photodermatitis
Inflammation of the outer ear
Prurigo nodularis
Inflammatory reactions to insect bites
How does clobetasone butyrate work?
Clobetasone activates corticosteroid pathways in skin cells, reducing inflammatory signalling and late allergic responses. This decreases redness, swelling and itching and constricts small blood vessels locally.
clobetasone butyrate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.05%
How to take clobetasone butyrate
For external use only. Follow the product leaflet or prescriber's directions.
Wash and dry your hands before use.
Smooth the preparation gently over affected skin in the direction of hair growth.
Avoid cuts, broken skin, the eyes and unintended areas. Wash your hands afterwards unless treating them.
Allow it to absorb before applying an emollient; do not mix it with other skin products.
Use dressings only if advised by a clinician because they can increase absorption.
Keep treated fabrics away from smoking and naked flames.
clobetasone butyrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Brief burning or stinging where applied.
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling, worsening redness, white patches or yellow discharge, which may indicate infection.
- A widespread rash, hives or other signs of hypersensitivity.
- Blurred vision or another eyesight change.
- Marked weakness, faintness, unusual thirst or frequent urination, which may suggest systemic corticosteroid effects.
- Skin thinning, stretch marks or growth suppression in children with substantial systemic exposure.
- After stopping prolonged use, intense burning or redness extending beyond the treated area may indicate a topical steroid withdrawal reaction.
clobetasone butyrate in pregnancy
Topical clobetasone can be used during pregnancy because systemic absorption is usually low. Product information advises weighing expected benefit against potential risk, particularly where absorption could be increased. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist if pregnant.
clobetasone butyrate while breastfeeding
Clobetasone can be used while breastfeeding when clinically needed. Prevent the baby touching treated skin. Do not leave it on the breast or nipple during feeding; wash the area and hands beforehand if applied there.
clobetasone butyrate interactions
Important interactions are uncommon with ordinary topical use, but systemic corticosteroid interactions can become relevant if absorption increases.
Ritonavir and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
They can reduce corticosteroid metabolism and increase systemic exposure.
Itraconazole and other strong azole CYP3A4 inhibitors
They can inhibit metabolism and increase systemic corticosteroid exposure.
Common questions about clobetasone butyrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is clobetasone butyrate the same as clobetasol?
No. They are different topical corticosteroids, and clobetasol is substantially more potent.
Can it be used on the face?
Only when specifically advised. Facial skin is more susceptible to thinning, and clobetasone can worsen rosacea or acne.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.