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Overview: Topical clobetasol is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness, including psoriasis. Common side effects from topical clobetasol are skin reactions, such as stinging, burning, itching, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where topical clobetasol is used unless your health care provider instructed you to do so. Doing this could increase the amount of clobetasol in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is topical clobetasol used for?

Topical clobetasol is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Topical clobetasol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical clobetasol work (mechanism of action)?

Clobetasol belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is topical clobetasol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Clobex
  • Impoyz

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.025% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical cream (emollient)
  • 0.05% topical foam
  • 0.05% topical gel
  • 0.05% topical lotion
  • 0.05% topical ointment
  • 0.05% topical shampoo
  • 0.05% topical solution
  • 0.05% topical spray

How should I store topical clobetasol?

Topical clobetasol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep containers tightly closed. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical clobetasol?

The most common side effects of topical clobetasol are listed below. Side effects can vary based on the specific topical clobetasol product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions (see below) 
  • Sore throat or infection in the nose or throat
  • Hair loss

There may be other side effects of topical clobetasol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical clobetasol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical clobetasol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical clobetasol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical clobetasol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Clobetasol can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use clobetasol over large skin areas, wrap or cover the skin after applying clobetasol, use clobetasol on damaged skin, or use clobetasol with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Clobetasol can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use topical clobetasol with other corticosteroids. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acnes
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Clobetasol may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use it with other corticosteroids. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Clobetasol may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

Vision Problems. Topical clobetasol may cause cataracts or glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Slowed Growth in Children. Clobetasol, when used on children, can slow the height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical clobetasol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical clobetasol.

  • Clobetasol
  • Clobex
  • Impoyz
  • Any other medicine known as a corticosteroid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical clobetasol products they stock.

Infection of the Scalp. Clobetasol topical solution should not be used if you have an infection in or on your scalp.

What should I know about topical clobetasol before using it?

Do not use topical clobetasol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical clobetasol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical clobetasol out of the reach of children.

Topical clobetasol is for use on the skin only, and the shampoo and topical solution are only for use on the scalp. Do not get this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. 

Avoid using topical clobetasol on your face, groin, or armpits. In addition, some topical clobetasol creams should be avoided on areas where your skin can rub together. Clobetasol topical foam or spray should also be avoided on areas where the skin is thinning.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal (including wearing a shower cap or bathing cap with topical clobetasol shampoo) the area where clobetasol is used unless your health care provider instructed you to do so.

If you are using topical clobetasol foam or spray, avoid fire or flame (including smoking) during and shortly after using it. The contents are flammable. Do not burn or expose it to temperatures above 120 F (49 C). Also, do not puncture the can because topical clobetasol foam is under pressure.

When dispensing topical clobetasol foam, hold the can upside down and dispense into the cap of the can. Do not dispense the foam directly onto your hands (unless you are applying it to your hands), as the foam begins to melt right away when it comes in contact with your skin. Make sure your fingers are cool and dry before applying the foam to the affected area.

Wash your hands after using topical clobetasol.

Stop using topical clobetasol once your skin condition is under control. Do not use most topical clobetasol products for longer than two weeks or topical clobetasol shampoo for longer than four weeks unless your health care provider tells you to.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical clobetasol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical clobetasol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Clobetasol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using clobetasol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Clobetasol can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Liver Problems. Liver problems can increase your risk of developing serious side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any known or suspected liver problems. 

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated first before you use clobetasol.

Diabetes. Clobetasol can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Planned Surgery. Because clobetasol can affect your adrenal function, it may also affect your body’s response to stress, such as with surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have any surgeries planned.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Thinning of the skin at the affected site
  • Open sores or cuts on the skin at the affected site
  • Acne, rosacea, or rash around your mouth 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical clobetasol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical clobetasol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use topical clobetasol while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while using topical clobetasol, do not get it on your nipple or area around your nipple so your baby does not contact the medicine.

Interactions

Does topical clobetasol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical clobetasol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical clobetasol.

Does topical clobetasol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure you discuss if you are using or taking a corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, asthma, or COPD. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical clobetasol. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical clobetasol?

If you or someone else has used too much topical clobetasol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical clobetasol?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical clobetasol, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply topical clobetasol more often than prescribed.

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