What it does
Clobesol is a topical medication used to reduce inflammation and itching on the skin.
Commonly used for: skin inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority · fetched 2026-03-11 23:49:46 · updated 2026-10-19 03:00:45
About this medicine
Clobesol is a topical medication used to reduce inflammation and itching on the skin.
What it treats
- skin inflammation
- eczema
- psoriasis
- dermatitis
How it works
Clobesol works by decreasing swelling, redness, and itching in the skin.
Who it's for
Clobesol is suitable for adults and children with certain skin conditions.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: clobesol
BNF-referencedClobesol, also known as clobetasol propionate, is a potent topical corticosteroid used primarily for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It works by reducing inflammation, itching, and redness associated with these conditions. Clobetasol is typically applied directly to the affected area and is known for its effectiveness in managing severe skin disorders.
Indications
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Lichen planus
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Dosage
Adults: Apply a thin film to the affected area twice daily, ensuring not to exceed the recommended duration of treatment as indicated in the B
Mechanism of action
The short-term effects of corticosteroids like clobetasol include decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, as well as reduced leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. Clobetasol binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, which mediates changes in gene expression leading to multiple downstream effects over hours to days. It inhibits neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, reduces phospholipase A2 activity (decreasing the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives), and inhibits inflammatory transcription factors such as NF-Kappa B. This promotes anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10, resulting in a potent anti-inflammatory effect at lower doses and immunosuppressive effects at higher doses.
Pharmacodynamics
Clobetasol propionate binds to the glucocorticoid receptor to inhibit pro-inflammatory signals while promoting anti-inflammatory signals. It is generally applied twice daily, providing a long duration of action. Corticosteroids like clobetasol have a wide therapeutic window, allowing for doses that can be significantly higher than the body's natural production. Patients should be informed of the risks of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections when using corticosteroids.
Pharmacokinetics
Clobetasol propionate is well-absorbed through the skin, with its absorption depending on the vehicle used and the condition of the skin. It is metabolized primarily in the liver, and its elimination half-life allows for sustained effects when applied topically. Due to its potency, careful consideration must be given to the duration of treatment and the area of application to minimize systemic absorption and potential side effects.
Adverse effects
- Skin atrophy
- Striae
- Telangiectasia
- Acne
- Burning sensation
- Pruritus
- Allergic contact dermatitis
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of skin infections
- Avoid prolonged use to minimize the risk of systemic absorption and adrenal suppression
- Monitor for signs of local or systemic infections
Pregnancy
Clobetasol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Long-term use should be avoided.
Breast-feeding
Clobetasol may be excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store below 25 degrees Celsius. Protect from light and keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Topical cream
- Topical ointment
- Topical solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: clobesol
PubChem CID 32798Molecular formula: C25H32ClFO5
Mechanism of action
The short term effects of corticosteroids are decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, as well as decreased leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. Corticosteroids binding to the glucocorticoid receptor mediates changes in gene expression that lead to multiple downstream effects over hours to days. Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination; they inhibit phospholipase A2, which decreases the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives; they inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors; they promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10. Lower doses of corticosteroids provide an anti-inflammatory effect, while higher doses are immunosuppressive. High doses of glucocorticoids for an extended period bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor, raising sodium levels and decreasing potassium levels.
Pharmacodynamics
Corticosteroids bind to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals, and promoting anti-inflammatory signals. Clobetasol propionate is generally applied twice daily so the duration of action is long. Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are multiples of what the body naturally produces. Patients taking corticosteroids should be counselled regarding the risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.