EUMOVATE OINTMENT
CLOBETASONE BUTYRATE
What it does
Clobetasone is a mild steroid cream used to reduce inflammation and itching on the skin.
Commonly used for: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, allergic skin reactions
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.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:48:52 · updated 2026-09-27 02:02:49
About this medicine
Clobetasone is a mild steroid cream used to reduce inflammation and itching on the skin.
What it treats
- eczema
- dermatitis
- psoriasis
- allergic skin reactions
How it works
It works by calming the immune response in the skin, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Who it's for
Clobetasone is suitable for adults and children who have skin conditions that cause inflammation and itching.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: clobetasone
BNF-referencedClobetasone is a synthetic corticosteroid used primarily for its anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of various skin conditions. It is effective in reducing inflammation, itching, and redness associated with dermatological disorders. Clobetasone is available in topical formulations, making it suitable for localized treatment of skin conditions.
Indications
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Allergic reactions
- Inflammatory skin conditions
Dosage
Children: For children, the dosage of clobetasone should be determined by a healthcare professional, and it generally follows the same frequency as in adults. Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.
Adults: The usual adult dosage of clobetasone is applied to the affected area two to three times daily. It should be used for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms, usually not exceeding four weeks of continuous use.
Mechanism of action
Topically applied clobetasone is thought to bind with cytoplasmic receptors in the dermal and intradermal cells, inducing inhibitory proteins that decrease the activity of prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes, and other endogenous mediators of inflammation. It inhibits the migration of macrophages and leukocytes into inflamed skin areas by reversing vascular dilation and permeability, resulting in decreased erythema, edema, and pruritus.
Pharmacodynamics
Clobetasone, like other topical corticosteroids, is a synthetic derivative of cortisone. It produces anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, immunosuppressive, and vasoconstrictor effects when applied to the skin, leading to significant reduction in symptoms associated with inflammatory skin conditions.
Pharmacokinetics
Clobetasone is primarily absorbed through the skin when applied topically. Its systemic absorption is relatively low, which limits its potential side effects compared to systemic corticosteroids. The pharmacokinetics may vary based on the application site, formulation, and integrity of the skin barrier. Metabolism occurs mainly in the liver, and elimination is primarily via urine.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to clobetasone or any of its excipients
- Untreated cutaneous infections
- Rosacea
- Perioral dermatitis
- Acne vulgaris
Adverse effects
- Skin atrophy
- Striae
- Telangiectasia
- Hypopigmentation
- Systemic absorption leading to adrenal suppression
- Folliculitis
- Contact dermatitis
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other corticosteroids
- Avoid prolonged use on sensitive areas such as the face and intertriginous areas
- Monitor for signs of systemic absorption, especially in children
Pregnancy
Clobetasone can be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Long-term use should be avoided.
Breast-feeding
Clobetasone is excreted in breast milk, caution is advised when using in breastfeeding mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Cream
- Ointment
- Lotions
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: clobetasone
PubChem CID 71387Molecular formula: C22H26ClFO4
Mechanism of action
Topically applied clobeyasone are thought to bind with cytoplasmic receptors in the dermal and intradermal cells and to induce inhibitory proteins, thus leading to decreased activity of prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes and other endogenous mediators of inflammation. Topical corticosteroids inhibit the migration of macrophages and leukocytes into areas of inflamed skin by reversing vascular dilation and permeability, resulting in decreased erythema, edema and pruritus.
Pharmacodynamics
Topical corticosteroid like clobetasone are synthetic derivatives of cortisone which produce anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, immunosuppressive and vasoconstrictor effects when applied to the skin.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.