What is Halobetasol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Halobetasol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Bryhali, Lexette, Ultravate

Generic Names:

  • Halobetasol Propionate

Uses:

  • Treats skin disorders, including plaque psoriasis. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Corticosteroid, Very Strong

Forms:

  • Ointment, Cream, Foam, Lotion

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Halobetasol used for?

Skin inflammation and itching may be causes from various skin conditions including psoriasis, allergic reaction, and eczema. Ultravate works to soothe itching by attacking the movement of chemicals in the body that causes inflammation.

What form(s) does Halobetasol come in

  • Ointment

  • Cream

  • Foam

  • Lotion

What are common Halobetasol doses?

  • Tube 15GM of 0.05%

  • Tube 50GM of 0.05%

Common Halobetasol prescriptions

  • Halobetasol Propionate
    50gm of 0.05% can

  • Halobetasol Propionate
    15gm of 0.05% tube

  • Halobetasol Propionate
    50gm of 0.05% tube

  • Halobetasol Propionate
    15gm of 0.05% tube of cream

  • Halobetasol Propionate
    50gm of 0.05% tube of cream

  • Halobetasol Propionate
    15gm of 0.05% tube of ointment

  • Halobetasol Propionate
    50gm of 0.05% tube of ointment

How to take Halobetasol

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it near your eyes, nose, mouth, underarms, or genitals. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. Do not apply the lotion to your nipple or areola, if you are breastfeeding. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Foam: Topical application routeShake the aerosol can just before using. Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the skin and spray for about 2 seconds.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • If you are applying this medicine to the diaper area of a child, use only loose-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Tight-fitting diapers may cause too much medicine to be absorbed through the skin.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Foam: Topical application routeShake the aerosol can just before using. Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the skin and spray for about 2 seconds.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it near your eyes, nose, mouth, underarms, or genitals. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. Do not apply the lotion to your nipple or areola, if you are breastfeeding. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • If you are applying this medicine to the diaper area of a child, use only loose-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Tight-fitting diapers may cause too much medicine to be absorbed through the skin.

What to do if you miss a dose of Halobetasol

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose.

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

Halobetasol contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to halobetasol.

Halobetasol warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • If your symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse, check with your doctor.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, Cushing syndrome, or any type of skin infection.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Adrenal gland problems, including Cushing syndromeSerious skin reactions, which may occur if you cover the treated skin area or use the lotion for a long timeHigh blood sugarEye or vision problems (including cataracts, glaucoma)

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Halobetasol interactions

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

  • Children may be more likely to have serious side effects from this medicine if too much is absorbed through the skin. Apply the medicine carefully to make sure you don't use too much.

  • If you are applying this medicine to the diaper area of a child, use only loose-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Tight-fitting diapers may cause too much medicine to be absorbed through the skin.

Halobetasol side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blistering, peeling, or pus on treated skin areas

  • Blurred vision or other changes in vision, eye pain

  • Color changes on the skin, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness

  • Round, puffy face

  • Severe skin itching, rash, or redness

  • Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dark-colored streaks or "spider" veins

  • Changes in skin color

  • Stinging or burning of treated skin areas

  • Numbness, tingling, or stinging at the application site

  • Dry skin