What it's for (Indications)
- Clobetasol propionate is used for its anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
- It is indicated for the treatment of psoriasis, irritable eczemas (red and itchy skin), and other inflammatory dermatoses.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% is for topical use only, and not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. It should be applied onto dry (not wet) scalp once a day in a thin film to the affected areas only, and left in place for 15 minutes before lathering and rinsing. The total dosage should not exceed 50 g (50 mL or 1.75 fl. oz.) per week. To apply, move the hair away from the scalp to expose the affected area. Position the bottle over the lesion and apply a small amount of the shampoo directly onto the lesion, letting the product flow naturally from the bottle (gently squeeze the bottle), avoiding any contact with facial skin, eyes, or lips. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Spread the product to cover the entire lesion with a thin uniform film and massage gently. Repeat for additional lesions. Wash hands after applying Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common adverse reactions include burning, stinging, itching (pruritus), dryness, redness at the site of application, edema, folliculitis, acne, irritant dermatitis, alopecia, urticaria, skin atrophy, and telangiectasia.
- Other potential side effects may include headache, stretch marks, worsening of skin infections, and extreme unwanted hair growth.
- Consult your doctor if you observe any of these effects.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: While clobetasol propionate, as a topical corticosteroid, does not typically carry a formal FDA Black Box Warning akin to systemic medications, its classification as a super-high potency corticosteroid necessitates a critical 'Serious Warnings' consideration due to significant risks associated with its use. There is a substantial potential for systemic absorption, which can lead to reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, especially with prolonged use, application to large body surface areas, under occlusive dressings, or in pediatric patients. Manifestations of HPA axis suppression include Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Following abrupt withdrawal of treatment, patients may experience adrenal insufficiency. Therefore, treatment duration should generally be limited to two consecutive weeks for adults, and the total dosage should not exceed 50g per week. Pediatric patients are particularly susceptible to systemic toxicity due to a larger skin surface area-to-body mass ratio and less mature skin barrier function; thus, use in children under 12 years is contraindicated, and for older children, it should be used with extreme caution for the shortest possible duration. Local adverse reactions are also significant, including skin atrophy (thinning), striae (stretch marks), telangiectasias (spider veins), purpura, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections, especially in areas with thin skin such as the face, groin, and axillae. Patients must be educated on the correct application technique, dosage, duration of treatment, and the importance of avoiding application to sensitive areas or areas not specifically indicated. Regular monitoring for signs of systemic toxicity and local adverse effects is imperative.
- Pregnancy: This medication may carry some risk in pregnant females and requires a risk/benefit assessment.
- Consult your doctor for further information.
- Lactation: The effect of this medication on lactating females is unknown.
- Consult your doctor for further details.
- Precautions: Patients with a hypersensitivity (allergy) to this medication or other related medications should be cautioned against its use.
- Patients should inform their doctor of their complete medical history for more appropriate advice and further details.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Like other topical corticosteroids, Clobetasol Propionate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.