Clobetasol propionate

About clobetasol propionate

Clobetasol propionate is a very potent topical corticosteroid. When applied to the skin, clobetasol propionate reduces swelling, itching and redness by preventing the release of chemicals that cause these symptoms. Clobetasol propionate is not a cure for your condition, but will help relieve the symptoms.

Before using clobetasol propionate

Before using clobetasol propionate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are suffering from any skin infections or other skin conditions.
• If you suffer from any problems with your liver.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

• Clobetasol propionate cream, ointment and liquid scalp application should not be used in children under 1 year.
• Clarelux® cutaneous foam and Etrivex® shampoo are not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

How to use clobetasol propionate

• Before applying cream or ointment, wash the affected area of skin and dry well, removing all traces of soap.
• You only need to use a small amount of this preparation. It should be applied thinly and massaged gently into the skin until it disappears.
• One fingertip unit (a line from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) of cream or ointment is enough to cover an area twice the size of a flat adult palm.
• Wash your hands after application unless you are using the cream or ointment to treat the hands.
• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, the scalp application should be applied thinly, directly to the affected areas of the scalp, and left to dry. When washing or shampooing your hair, apply the scalp application after drying your hair.
• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, the shampoo should be applied directly to the dry scalp and massaged into the affected areas. The shampoo is left to work for 15 minutes and then rinsed with water. Your regular shampoo can be used if more shampoo is required to wash your hair.
• Never apply more than the quantity advised by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your symptoms do not begin to improve after using this preparation for 2 - 4 weeks, or if they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Clobetasol propionate should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot.
• Clobetasol propionate is for external use only.
• Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with mucous membranes (e.g. the mouth, vagina or the inside of the nose).
• Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with the face unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children. In children the preparation should not normally be used for more than 5 days.
• Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.
• Do not use this preparation under a nappy in children as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.
• Clobetasol propionate scalp application is flammable and should be kept away from fire. Do not dry your hair near fire or a naked flame.

Can clobetasol propionate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If used correctly most people find that clobetasol propionate does not usually cause problems. If you use the preparation more than you should, it can cause thinning of the skin (particularly on the face and more easily in children), changes in skin colour, marks on the skin or an increased growth of hair in the areas where the preparation has been applied.

How to store clobetasol propionate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines