What is Clobetasol? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the doctor’s instructions when using topical clobetasol. 

• Do not use more than prescribed

• Use it only for the skin condition it’s prescribed for

• Apply it only to the skin areas indicated by the prescriber

Use topical clobetasol only on the skin. Do not use topical clobetasol on:

• The face, underarms, or groin

• Skin near the eyes, mouth, or vagina

• Open sores or cuts

• Thinning skin

Do not cover, wrap, or wear tight-fitting clothes over treated skin areas unless the prescribing healthcare professional says it’s okay. 

Allow the treated skin to dry before you put on your clothes.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. 

How to use clobetasol cream, lotion, ointment, or gel:

• Apply clobetasol to the affected skin twice daily.

• Use only enough to cover the affected skin.

• Cream, lotion, ointment, or gel can be applied directly to your fingertips or the affected skin.

• Rub the dose into the affected skin gently.

• Do this for every skin area that requires treatment.

• Wash your hands after you’re finished.

• Store topical clobetasol at room temperature. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

How to use clobetasol solution:

• Apply a small amount of solution to the affected scalp areas twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

• Gently rub the solution into the scalp.

• Wash your hands after you’re done.

• Store clobetasol solution at room temperature. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

How to use clobetasol foam:

• Spray a thin layer on the affected skin twice daily.

• Do not spray it on the hands unless they need to be treated.

• Hold the can upside down and depress the spray button.

• Use only enough to cover the affected skin.

• The foam will begin to melt immediately.

• Wash your hands when done.

• Store clobetasol foam at room temperature, protected from excessive heat and flames. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

How to use clobetasol spray:

• Spray a thin layer on the affected skin twice daily.

• Use only enough to cover the affected skin.

• Gently rub the liquid into the skin.

• Do this for every skin area that requires treatment

• Wash your hands when done.

• Store clobetasol spray at room temperature, protected from excessive heat and flames. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

How to use clobetasol shampoo:

• Apply the shampoo to the affected scalp once daily.

• Apply it to dry scalp. Do not wet the hair.

• First, part the hair to expose the affected scalp area.

• Hold the bottle over the exposed scalp and squeeze a small amount of shampoo onto the scalp.

• Use only enough shampoo to cover the affected skin.

• Rub the liquid into the scalp gently to cover all the affected skin.

• Do this for every scalp area that requires treatment

• When finished, wash your hands.

• Leave the shampoo on the scalp for 15 minutes without putting on a shower cap, bathing cap, or towel over the hair.

• After 15 minutes, wet the hair, lather it, and thoroughly rinse it and scalp.

• Wash that area thoroughly if clobetasol shampoo gets on any other part of the skin.

• Store clobetasol shampoo at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

How to use clobetasol eye drops:

• Clobetasol eye drops are for use on the eyes only. Never apply it to the skin or swallow it.

• Wash your hands first.

• Remove any contact lenses.

• Shake the bottle well. 

• During the application process, never allow the tip of the bottle to touch your skin, eye, or other surfaces.

• Tilt back your head.

• Pull down the lower lid to form a pocket.

• With the other hand, position the tip of the bottle near but not touching the eye.

• Squeeze one drop into the pocket between the eye and the lower eyelid.

• Close the eye for a short time.

• Repeat for the other eye if necessary.

• Replace and secure the cap.

• Do not dose the eye with any other medication for at least five minutes.

• Wash your hands.

• Store clobetasol eye drops at room temperature in an upright position. Do not freeze.

Apply a missed dose as soon as you can.

Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose. Take the next regular dose as scheduled.

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to clobetasol.

Clobetasol eye drops are contraindicated in anyone with a viral or mycobacterial infection of the eye.

Before using clobetasol, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• A skin or scalp infection

• Open sores or cuts

• A skin problem near the mouth

• Upcoming surgery 

• An eye infection (clobetasol eye drops)

• Any other medical condition

When taking clobetasol, call the healthcare provider if:

• You experience any side effects

• Your symptoms get worse

• Your skin shows no sign of improvement after two weeks of treatment

Clobetasol is a superpotent corticosteroid that can sometimes cause significant side effects, including:

• Worsening of psoriasis

• High blood pressure

• Elevated blood sugar

• Adrenal gland dysfunction

• Allergic contact dermatitis

Clobetasol can also cause significant eye problems, particularly in people using clobetasol eye drops. These include:

• Cataracts

• High eye pressure and glaucoma

• Retina problems

• Vision changes

• Eye infections (eye drops)

• Thinning of the cornea or whites of the eyes (eye drops)

• Ulcers on the cornea or whites of the eyes (eye drops)

You may be more likely to experience complications or side effects from clobetasol if you are older than 60 years of age.

Make sure any healthcare provider who treats you knows that you are using clobetasol. 

The prescriber may need to see you regularly to check your progress and possible side effects. Keep all appointments.

Do not use topical clobetasol to treat a skin problem not evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Do not use topical clobetasol for longer than prescribed.

Do not use topical clobetasol in children younger than 18 years of age.

Do not apply clobetasol foam or spray when you are near excessive heat, flames, or when you’re smoking. These formulations are flammable before they dry.

To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the doctor about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, particularly corticosteroids.

Healthcare professionals may avoid prescribing clobetasol in people already taking corticosteroids.

Tell other healthcare providers that you’re using clobetasol before they prescribe new medications.