Clobetasol propionate topical
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Topical formulations of clobetasol propionate.
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Eczema
Lichen planus
Lupus erythematosus - discoid
Psoriasis excluding widespread plaque psoriasis
Severe atopic dermatitis when other regimens unsuitable/ineffective
Dosage
Clobetasol propionate cream is suitable for skin conditions which are moist or weeping.
Clobetasol propionate ointment is suitable for very dry skin conditions and lichenified or scaly lesions.
A less potent preparation should be used if continuous steroid treatment is necessary.
Discontinue treatment once control is achieved.
Repeated short courses of the medication may be used to control exacerbations.
Adults
1 application sparingly applied to the affected area once to twice daily until improvement occurs - in responsive conditions this may be within a few days. The application frequency should be gradually reduced.
Maximum dose should not exceed 50g a week.
Treatment should not exceed a duration of 4 weeks.
Children
Children aged 1 to 18 years
(See Dosage; Adult)
Additional Dosage Information
For very resistant lesions, especially where there is hyperkeratosis, occluding the affected area with polythene film may enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of clobetasol propionate, if required. Occlusion overnight is usually sufficient to bring about a satisfactory response. Thereafter, application without occlusion will usually maintain improvement.
Contraindications
Children under 1 year
Acne vulgaris
Genital pruritus
Perianal pruritus
Perioral dermatitis
Rosacea
Skin infection
Precautions and Warnings
Children aged 1 to 12 years
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Careful supervision of patients with psoriasis required
Hepatic impairment: Use the lowest dose to maintain control
Renal impairment: Use the lowest dose to maintain control
Contains propylene glycol: may cause irritation
Avoid contact with eyes
Breastfeeding: Wash product off breasts prior to breastfeeding infant
If accidental contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water
Risk of glaucoma if preparation enters eye
If visual disturbances occur, perform ophthalmic evaluation
Adrenal suppression may occur even without occlusion
Corticosteroids may cause growth retardation in children under 18 years
Long term use may cause adrenal suppression
Prolonged use may cause atrophic skin changes
Risk of generalised pustular psoriasis with use of topical corticosteroids
Discontinue if hypersensitivity reactions occur
Discontinue therapy and use antimicrobials if secondary infection occurs
Pregnancy: Avoid excessive or unduly prolonged administration
Avoid prolonged use
Limit use in infants or on face to 5 days and without occlusion
Advise patient residue on clothing/bedding may cause fire hazard
Advise patient to consult doctor if no improvement within 2 to 4 weeks
Advise patient to take care when applying to the face
Fire hazard: Keep away from naked flames and potential sources of ignition
Nappy may act as an occlusive dressing
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Use clobetasol propionate with caution during pregnancy.
The manufacturer notes that there is little data on the safety of clobetasol propionate in human pregnancy and the minimum quantity of this medication should be used for the minimum duration. Topical administration of corticosteroids in pregnant animals produced adverse effects on foetal development such as cleft palate and intrauterine growth retardation.
Lactation
Use clobetasol propionate with caution during breastfeeding.
The manufacturer recommends that clobetasol propionate is not used when breastfeeding unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the infant and that the medication should not be applied to the breasts to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.
Side Effects
Acne
Allergic contact dermatitis
Atrophy (localised)
Blurred vision
Burning sensation (local)
Cushing's syndrome
Erythema
Exacerbation of symptoms
Hypersensitivity reactions
Hypertrichosis
Immunosuppression
Osteonecrosis
Pruritus
Pustular psoriasis
Rash
Rosacea
Skin pigmentation changes
Striae
Superficial vascular dilation
Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
Thinning of skin
Urticaria
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Further Information
Last Full Review Date: July 2019
Reference Sources
Summary of Product Characteristics: ClobaDerm 500microgram/g Ointment. Accord-UK Ltd. Revised May 2019.
Summary of Product Characteristics: ClobaDerm 500microgram/g Crream. Accord-UK Ltd. Revised October 2019.
Summary of Product Characteristics: ClobaDerm 0.05% w/w cream. Auden McKenzie (Pharma Division) Ltd. Revised February 2018.
Summary of Product Characteristics: ClobaDerm 0.05% w/w ointment. Auden McKenzie (Pharma Division) Ltd. Revised January 2018.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Dermovate Ointment. GlaxoSmithKline UK. Revised March 2021.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Dermovate Cream. GlaxoSmithKline UK. Revised March 2021.
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