Clobetasol Propionate (On the skin)

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Treats psoriasis and irritation from skin diseases. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Drug classes

Corticosteroid, Very Strong (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Clobetasol topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. The solution are used for scalp problems, the foam is used for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, the cream, lotion, and spray are used for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and the foam and shampoo are used for moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Lotion, Ointment, Shampoo, Spray

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Do not cover, wrap, or wear tight fitting clothes over your treated skin areas unless directed by your doctor. Allow the cream or liquid to dry before you put on your clothes.

Cream, foam, shampoo, or spray: Do not use this medicine on your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.

Foam: Do not dispense the foam directly into your hands, unless your hands are the affected area.

Shampoo: Apply the shampoo to your dry scalp. Part your hair so that you only treat the affected areas. Apply a small amount to the area, massage gently, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Add water, lather, and rinse well.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply this medicine.

Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

Do not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

It is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment to clear up your skin or scalp problem completely. Do not miss any doses.

Do not use this medicine for more than 2 weeks at a time unless directed by your doctor.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

The foam is flammable. Avoid flames and smoking when you apply the medicine. Do not poke holes in the can or throw it into a fire, even if the can is empty.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use this medicine together with other steroids unless directed by your doctor.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clobetasol.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, an adrenal problem (such as Cushing disease), diabetes, or a skin infection.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Adrenal gland problems Skin infection Allergic contact dermatitis

Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Tell your doctor if your skin condition does not improve within 2 weeks.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Burning, pain, redness, or thinning of the skin

Color changes on the skin, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat

Increase in thirst or how often you urinate

Round, puffy face

Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild acne, pain, redness, swelling, or burning on the application site

Swollen hair pores, excess hair growth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Clobetasol Propionate, Clobevate, Clobex, Clodan, Cormax, Cormax Scalp Application, Dermovate, Dermovate Scalp Application, Embeline, Embeline E, Embeline Scalp Application, Med Clobetasol Scalp Application, Olux, Olux-E, Olux/Olux-E Complete Pack, Ratio-Clobetasol, Temovate, Temovate E

There may be other brand names for this medicine.