From the Guidelines
Clobetasol is supplied in cream and ointment formulations, typically in 0.05% strength. The choice of formulation depends on the affected body area, the condition being treated, and patient preference regarding texture and application 1.
Key Formulations
- Cream: commonly used for most skin conditions
- Ointment: more occlusive and better for drier lesions Other formulations such as gel, foam, lotion, solution, shampoo, and spray may also be available, but the cream and ointment are the most commonly used for various inflammatory skin conditions 1.
Important Considerations
- Clobetasol is a super-potent (class I) topical corticosteroid, making it highly effective but also limiting its use to short treatment courses, typically 2-4 weeks, to avoid side effects like skin thinning, striae, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression.
- The specific formulation should be selected based on the affected body area, the condition being treated, and patient preference regarding texture and application. Some studies suggest that clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream or ointment can be used in different doses for various conditions, such as bullous pemphigoid and lichen sclerosus, with the dose and formulation depending on the severity and extent of the disease 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is supplied in tamper-evident tubes as follows: Strength NDC Number 15 g (NDC 62332-465-15) 30 g (NDC 62332-465-30) 45 g (NDC 62332-465-45) 60 g (NDC 62332-465-60) Clobetasol is supplied in ointment formulation, specifically in tamper-evident tubes of 15 g, 30 g, 45 g, and 60 g sizes 2.
From the Research
Clobetasol Formulations
Clobetasol is supplied in various formulations, including:
- Ointment 3, 4, 5
- Cream 3, 6, 4, 5
- Lotion 6, 4
- Spray 4
- Foam 4
- Shampoo 4
- Emollient cream 5
- Emulgel formulations 7
- Microparticulate based topical delivery system, such as poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres 7
Characteristics of Formulations
The choice of formulation may affect patient compliance and the potency of clobetasol propionate 3. Newer formulations, such as lotions and sprays, may provide improved convenience and acceptance for patients, with similar efficacy, safety, and tolerability as traditional ointment and cream formulations 6, 4. The emollient added to a steroid can help restore the normal moisturizing process of the skin and improve the penetration of steroids into the skin 5. Microparticulate based topical delivery systems can provide prolonged release of clobetasol propionate and reduce systemic absorption and side effects of the drug 7.
Comparison of Formulations
Studies have compared the effectiveness and tolerability of different clobetasol propionate formulations, including lotion, cream, and emollient cream 6, as well as newer formulations such as spray, foam, and shampoo 4. The results of these studies suggest that the different formulations have similar efficacy and tolerability, but may have small differences in vasoconstrictor potency or cutaneous absorption 4.