Indications

Clobetasone preparations are indicated for the treatment of eczema and dermatitis of all types including atopic eczema, photodermatitis, otitis externa, primary irritant allergic dermatitis (including napkin rash), intertrigo, prurigo nodularis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and insect bite reactions. Clobetasone may be used as a maintenance therapy between courses of one of the more active topical steroids.

Therapeutic Class

Clobetasol / Clobetasone & Combined Preparations

Pharmacology

Clobetasone Butyrate is a topically active corticosteroid, which provides an exceptional combination of activity and safety. It is more effective in the treatment of eczemas than 1% Hydrocortisone, or the less active synthetic steroid preparations that are in common use. It has little effect on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function. All topical corticosteroids can cause cutaneous atrophy if grossly misused. However, study in animal and human models indicates that Clobetasone Butyrate causes less thinning of the epidermis than the other topical steroid tested.

Dosage & Administration

Apply to the affected area up to four times a day until improvement occurs, when the frequency of application may be reduced.

Interaction

Potentially hazardous interactions- none has been reported. Potentially useful interactions- none has been reported.

Contraindications

Pregnancy (in high doses), Presence of acute infections, Treatment of rosacea, Leg ulcers, Acne vulgaris, Widespread plaque psoriasis. Child <1 yr.

Side Effects

Local atrophic changes; pigmentation changes & hypertrichosis. Increased liability to infection. Infections may be masked. Acute adrenal insufficiency. Growth retardation in child. Cushingoid symptoms. Amenorrhoea, hyperhidrosis, skin thinning

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of fetal development including cleft palate and intrauterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk of such effects in the human fetus.

Precautions & Warnings

May be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects when applied topically to large areas, broken skin or under occlusive dressings. Peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, psychoses or severe psychoneuroses. Not to be used indiscriminately for pruritus. CHF or hypertension. Diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, glaucoma, infectious diseases, ocular herpes simplex, chronic renal failure and uraemia. Active or doubtfully quiescent tuberculosis. Local treatment of eye disorders. Elderly. Prolonged use on the face.

Overdose Effects

Acute overdosage is very unlikely to occur, in the case of chronic overdosage or misuse the features of hypercorticism may appear and in this situation topical steroids should be discontinued.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30˚ C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.