Clobetasone belongs to a group of medicines called "topical steroids". It helps relieve swelling, redness, and itchiness that may occur with certain skin problems, such as eczema (a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin) and dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
This medicine is classified as a moderately potent topical steroid. Your doctor will decide the appropriate potency of topical steroid for your condition.
Apply Clobetasone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more often, over a larger area, or for a longer period than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a cream and ointment.
To apply Clobetasone, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean and dry the affected area before application.
- Apply a thin layer of cream or ointment to the affected area(s) and rub gently on the skin until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
- Wash your hands after using.
- Replace the cap of the tube.
Avoid contact with eyes or mouth. Rinse immediately with water if this medicine gets into your eyes or mouth. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.
Do not use with occlusive dressing unless instructed by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens during treatment.
If you are using this medicine for a long time, do not stop using Clobetasone suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Once your skin condition starts to get better, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication. Do not use Clobetasone longer than prescribed.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following skin conditions:
- acne (also known as pimple)
- rosacea (skin flushing or blushing usually around your nose and cheeks)
- itchy skin which is not inflamed
- untreated skin infections
as Clobetasone may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- stasis dermatitis (a type of eczema in people with poor blood flow)
- infected inflamed lesion
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Clobetasone to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not apply on large areas of your skin.
Do not apply on skin that is broken, infected, or discharging fluid or pus.
Do not apply on the face, groin or armpits, and nappy area unless instructed by your doctor.
Do not smoke or go near naked flames due to the risk of severe burns. Fabrics (e.g. dressing, clothing, bedding) that have been in contact with this medicine must be washed to reduce product build-up or risk of any serious fire hazards.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. adrenal function, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Clobetasone may cause any of the following side effects: burning or itching sensation, rash, stretch marks, thinning of the skin, and changes in skin tone.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rounding of the face, unusual weight gain in the upper back, severe headache
- confusion, drowsiness, passing urine more often, unusual thirst or hunger
- visual disturbances such as blurred vision
If this medicine is used continuously over a prolonged period, a withdrawal reaction may occur in some individuals within days or weeks after stopping the treatment. Alert your doctor if you develop severe redness which can spread beyond the initial area treated, itching, burning or stinging sensation, and peeling of the skin. These could be signs of a withdrawal reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Clobetasone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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