Clobetasol propionate is a steroid hormone (corticosteroid) used to treat various types of skin diseases, including plaque psoriasis, eczema, allergies, etc. It’s commonly used for Poison Ivy allergy and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription drug since 1985. This drug is also used in many auto-immune diseases such as lichen planus, alopecia areata, mycosis fungoides, etc.
However, it’s one of the most potent forms of corticosteroid, and thus it’s not recommended for children below the age of 18.
Alias
Though Clobetasol propionate’s brand name is ‘Temovate,’ it is also known by a few other names: Clobex, Olux, Embeline, and Cormax.
Usage of Clobex
This drug comes in a form of cream (0.05% (Temovate) and 0.025% (Impoyz)), gel (0.05%), foam (Olux 0.05%) and lotion.
First and foremost, do read the instruction leaflet thoroughly that come along with the drug and follow the doctor’s advice as prescribed, to the T.
However, before applying the drug, hands, and the affected area must be washed and dried thoroughly. Once dried, apply a thin layer of this drug on the affected area and gently rub it twice daily.
You need to ensure that the Clobetasol Propionate (Clobex) cream or lotion’s dosage should not be more than 50g in a week. It should not also exceed more than two weeks consecutively as it may cause harm to the organ functions and repressing the pituitary-hypothalamic adrenal axis.
Side Effects
Clobetasol Propionate (Clobex) has certain side effects. You must keep your doctor informed about it as soon as you feel the symptoms: depression, anxiety, blurry vision, general body malaise, Polyuria, Polydipsia, drowsiness, fainting, palpitations, and irritability.
One may also feel the loss of appetite, an increase in blood pressure, weakness of muscles, and even weight gain. If you do experience anyone, few or all of these symptoms, immediately consult the doctor.
Children, including teenagers, are not recommended to use this drug longer than essential as it may affect their overall growth.
One should also inform their doctors about the usage of Clobetasol Propionate (Clobex) if needed to undergo any surgeries.
Precautionary Measures
If one suffers from any of the ailments such as type two diabetes (it increases the level of blood sugar), skin infections like acne, rosacea, skin thinning, or perioral dermatitis, tuberculosis, immune system disorder, or have been recently vaccinated, Cushing syndrome, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), vascular disorders, eye problems such as cataract or have drug allergies among few other conditions then do inform your doctor immediately.
Though it’s unknown if it causes harm to the unborn baby or transports into breast milk, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctors before using this drug.
If a patient has an occlusive dressing, this drug shouldn’t be used. While one should also avoid applying this lotion on the face, vagina, groin, and any area that may have skin death, this drug also shouldn’t be applied on any broken skin or infected skin without any antibiotic.
Leave the applied area open and wash hands properly before and after applying the drug, Clobex. If it comes in contact with the eyes, immediately wash eyes with ample water and consult a doctor.
