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Clobetasol propionate topical

Presentation

Topical formulations of clobetasol propionate.

Drugs List

  • CLOBADERM 0.05% cream
  • CLOBADERM 0.05% ointment
  • clobetasol 0.05% cream
  • clobetasol 0.05% ointment
  • DERMOVATE 0.05% cream
  • DERMOVATE 0.05% ointment
  • 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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