CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE

About Clobetasol Propionate: Clobetasol Propionate is a kind of topical corticosteroids commonly prescribed for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic dermatoses, including eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhea, severe psoriasis, itching, redness, dryness, crusting, and scaling etc. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines. Inflammation of the skin happens due to the irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful.

Clobetasol propionate is a high potency corticosteroid. It is recommended that treatment be continued for no longer than 2 weeks and the total dosage should not exceed 50 grams per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Use in children is not recommended. 

Treatment should be discontinued once the desired results have been achieved. 

Brand Name: Temovate, Dermovate, Clobex, Olux Foam

Side effects: Please read above about the possibility of the drug suppressing HPA axis. Also, note that just like any other corticosteroids, Temovate is not intended for long term use. If corticosteroids are used long-term, there is the possibility of systemic absorption with corticosteroids and result inside effects such as skin thinning, a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands as well as a decrease in the production of collagen in our skin tissues. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible. Patients should avoid using clobetasol propionate based hair products on a daily basis. Other side effects include Burning sensation, itching, stinging, irritation, dryness, pruritus, erythema, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, skin maceration, secondary infection, striae, millaria, cracking and fissuring of the skin, skin atrophy, numbness of fingers, telangiectasia.

Topical application:  Use topically as directed. If you are using topical minoxidil separately, try to apply minoxidil prior to clobetasol propionate. 

Clinical studies: 
A double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Temovate) scalp application in the treatment of moderate to severe scalp psoriasis - Olsen EA, Cram DL, Ellis CN, Hickman JG, Jacobson C, Jenkins EE, Lasser AE, Lebwohl M, Leibsohn E, Medansky RS, et al.

Vendors

HairMedics - Dermovate lotion - Clobetasol propionate 0.05%. Indicated for severe dermatitis of the scalp.