Clobetasol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Dermovate, Dovate, Xenovate

Drug group:

Topical cortisosteroid

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Clobetasol is a potent corticosteroid drug used to treat inflammatory skin conditions that have not responded to treatment with a less potent corticosteroid:

• Resistant eczema, psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planus and lichen simplex

How should it be used?

• Clobetasol should be applied thinly and sparingly, to affected areas only, and for the shortest possible duration - to prevent skin damage and reduce absorption of the drug through the skin (and therefore avoid rare systemic side effects including pituitary or adrenal gland suppression and Cushing’s syndrome)
• Clobetasol should not be used on untreated bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections
• Do not use on the face for more than 5 days

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Cream/ointment/scalp application: applied 1-2 times daily, no more than 50g weekly

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 12 hours, full beneficial effect after 48 hours
                     

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours
          

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop using the drug without consulting your doctor
                

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Clobetasol is not normally used for more than 4 weeks - if the condition has not improved in 2-4 weeks, you should notify your doctor.

What are the possible side effects?

If used as directed, Clobetasol causes few adverse effects.

The following have been reported:

• Uncommon: thinning of the skin, stretch marks, threads veins, enlargement of blood capillaries, acne, dermatitis, loss of pigmentation, growth of unwanted hair (rare)

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: cold sores, chickenpox, other infections, psoriasis, acne, rosacea
• Other medicines: no known interactions
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended for infants <1 year, used with great caution in older children
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: No special problems