Clobetasol Propionate

Clobetasol propionate belongs to the most potent class of topical corticosteroids (group IV) and prolonged use may result in serious undesirable effects. If treatment with a local corticosteroid is clinically justified beyond 2 weeks, a less potent corticosteroid preparation should be considered. Repeated but short courses may be used to control exacerbations provided the patient is under regular medical supervision. There are no data from clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of once-daily application. Upon clearing of lesions, or after a maximum treatment period of two weeks, change to intermittent therapy or consider a weaker steroid; abrupt withdrawal may result in glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, so withdraw gradually by reducing the frequency of application or substituting a less potent corticosteroid. Application (foam): hold the container upside down and depress the actuator; dispense a small amount (of the size of a walnut or one teaspoon) directly onto the lesions, or into the cap of the container or onto another cool surface - dispensing directly onto hands is not recommended as the foam melts on contact with warm skin; gently massage into the affected area until the foam disappears and is absorbed, repeating until the entire affected area is treated; avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth; do not use near a naked flame; wash hands carefully after application. Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided as adrenal suppression can occur readily even without an occlusive dressing, and use on wounds or ulcerations is not recommended. PAEDIATRIC: not recommended for use in children less than 12 years old, and contraindicated in infants under 2 years. FORMULATION CAVEAT: the fetched SPC is CLARELUX 500 micrograms/g cutaneous foam - cream, ointment, scalp application and shampoo products may differ and should be verified against their own SPCs. (The US ointment label in this bundle states the same regimen: apply a thin layer to the affected skin areas twice daily and rub in gently and completely, limited to 2 consecutive weeks, with amounts greater than 50 g per week not to be used, and not to be used with occlusive dressings; no dosage adjustment is recommended for patients 65 years of age or older.)