CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE

Clobetasol propionate ointment USP, 0.05% contains the active compound clobetasol propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid, for topical dermatologic use. Clobetasol, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of glucocorticoid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity. Chemically, clobetasol propionate is (11ß,16ß)-21-chloro-9-fluoro-11-hydroxy-16-methyl-17-(1-oxopropoxy)-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, and it has the following structural formula: Clobetasol propionate, USP has the molecular formula C 25 H 32 CIFO 5 and a molecular weight of 467. It is a white to cream-colored crystalline powder insoluble in water. Clobetasol propionate ointment USP, 0.05% contains clobetasol propionate 0.5 mg/g in a base of propylene glycol, sorbitan sesquioleate, and white petrolatum. Chemical Structure

Clobetasol propionate ointment is a super-high potency corticosteroid formulation indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Treatment beyond 2 consecutive weeks is not recommended, and the total dosage should not exceed 50 g/week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Use in pediatric patients under 12 years of age is not recommended. As with other highly active corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control has been achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary.

Apply a thin layer of clobetasol propionate ointment to the affected skin areas twice daily and rub in gently and completely (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE). Clobetasol propionate ointment is a super-high potency topical corticosteroids; therefore, treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks and amounts greater than 50 g/week should not be used. As with other highly active corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control has been achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Clobetasol propionate ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings. Geriatric Use: In studies where geriatric patients (65 years of age or older, see PRECAUTIONS) have been treated with clobetasol propionate ointment, safety did not differ from that in younger patients; therefore, no dosage adjustment is recommended.

Clobetasol propionate ointment, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparations.

In controlled clinical trials, the most frequent adverse events reported for clobetasol propionate ointment, 0.05% were burning sensation, irritation, and itching in 0.5% of treated patients. Less frequent adverse reactions were stinging, cracking, erythema, folliculitis, numbness of fingers, skin atrophy, and telangiectasia. Cushing syndrome has been reported in infants and adults as a result of prolonged use of topical clobetasol propionate formulations. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in an approximately decreasing order of occurrence: dryness, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, irritation, striae, and miliaria.