What is Clobex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Clobex is a brand-name topical drug that treats inflammatory skin problems. Available only with a doctor’s prescription, Clobex contains clobetasol, a powerful corticosteroid appropriate for serious skin conditions such as psoriasis. Clobetasol reduces the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions by blocking the immune system around the affected areas. Although Clobex comes in the form of lotion, spray, or shampoo, each format differs in the skin conditions it can treat. Because clobetasol is a powerful corticosteroid, treatment usually lasts two weeks or less.

Clobex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Clobex

Generic Names:

  • Clobetasol propionate

Uses:

  • Treats skin problems that require a strong topical corticosteroid, including psoriasis and similar inflammatory skin conditions.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Corticosteroid, topical corticosteroid, topical scalp anti-inflammatory

Forms:

  • Lotion, spray, shampoo

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Clobex used for?

Clobex lotion is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat any skin condition that requires strong topical corticosteroid treatment, such as plaque psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, lichen planus, and similar conditions. Clobex spray and Clobex shampoo are used only for psoriasis, but Clobex shampoo is reserved for scalp psoriasis only.

What form(s) does Clobex come in

  • Lotion

    • 0.05%

  • Spray

    • 0.05%

  • Shampoo

    • 0.05%

What are common Clobex doses?

  • For corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory skin conditions: Apply lotion to the affected skin twice daily for up to two weeks

  • For moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Apply lotion or spray to the affected skin twice daily for up to four weeks

  • For moderate to severe scalp psoriasis: Apply shampoo to the affected scalp once per day

Common Clobex prescriptions

  • Clobex
    118ml of 0.05% bottle

  • Clobex
    59ml of 0.05% bottle

How to take Clobex

  • Follow the doctor’s instructions when using Clobex. 

    • Do not use more Clobex than prescribed or change the frequency of application

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

    • Use it only where the healthcare provider tells you to use it

  • Clobex is for use on the skin only. 

  • Do not use Clobex: 

    • On the face, underarms, or groin

    • On skin near the eyes, mouth, or vagina

    • On thinning skin

    • On open sores or cuts

  • Do not cover, wrap, or wear tight-fitting clothes over treated skin areas unless directed by your doctor. 

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

  • Read and follow the patient instructions for this medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

  • How to use Clobex lotion:

    • Apply the lotion to the affected skin twice daily.

    • Use only enough lotion to cover the affected skin.

    • Turn the bottle upside down and apply lotion to your fingertips or the affected skin.

    • Rub the lotion into the skin gently.

    • Do this for every skin area that requires treatment

    • Wash your hands after you’re done.

    • Store Clobex lotion at room temperature. Do not freeze.

  • How to use Clobex spray:

    • Apply the spray to the affected skin twice daily.

    • Use only enough to cover the affected skin.

    • Spray it on the affected skin.

    • Rub the liquid into the skin gently.

    • Do this for every skin area that requires treatment

    • Wash your hands after you’re done.

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

  • How to use Clobex shampoo:

    • Apply the shampoo to the affected scalp once daily.

    • Use only enough to cover the affected skin.

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

    • Part your hair to expose the scalp area you wish to treat.

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

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

    • Do this for every scalp area that requires treatment

    • Wash your hands after you’re done.

    • 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 and lather and thoroughly rinse your hair and scalp.

    • If any Clobex shampoo gets on skin other than your scalp, wash that area thoroughly.

    • Store Clobex shampoo at room temperature and keep the bottle tightly closed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Clobex

  • If you forget to apply a Clobex dose, do it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next application, wait until then and apply Clobex as you normally would. 

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

Clobex contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone.

  • Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the product.

Clobex warnings

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

  • The doctor who prescribes Clobex may need follow-up visits to check the treatment progress or monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Before using this medicine, tell the prescriber if you have:

    • Any skin or scalp infection

    • Any plans for surgery 

    • Any open sores or cuts on your skin

    • Any skin problem around your mouth

    • Any other medical condition

  • Although it’s only applied to the skin, Clobex can cause significant side effects, including:

    • Adrenal gland problems

    • Serious eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, retina problems, and vision changes

    • Worsening of psoriasis

    • Elevated blood sugar

    • High blood pressure

    • Allergic contact dermatitis

  • If you are older than 60, you may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

  • Call the doctor if:

    • You experience any side effects

    • Your symptoms get worse

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

  • Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • You should not use this medicine for a longer period of time than your doctor ordered.

  • Clobex should not be used in children younger than 18 years of age.

  • Clobex spray is flammable. Avoid heat, flames, and smoking when you apply the medicine. 

Clobex interactions

  • To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the doctor about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements being taken before you start using Clobex.

  • The doctor will need to know if you use other corticosteroids. Clobex should not be used with other corticosteroids.

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

Clobex side effects

Serious side effects

Clobex can cause serious side effects. Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Blurred vision, vision changes, eye pain

  • Puffy face, increased fat deposits around the base of the neck, easy bruising, weight gain, stretch marks, weakness, weight loss

  • Burning, pain, redness, thinning of the skin, easy bruising

  • Blistering, pus-filled nodules, skin redness, skin warmth, skin swelling

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, skin rash, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Skin irritation, burning, spider veins, or other problems on treated skin

  • Upper respiratory tract infections

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