Clobetasol Medications

Clobetasol is a potent topical corticosteroid used to treat severe inflammatory skin conditions. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching.

Brand Temovate

Clobetasol

$20.72 per tube

15g

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Clobetasol? Information

Clobetasol is an ultra-potent topical corticosteroid used to control severe inflammatory skin disorders. Belonging to the class I glucocorticoid family, it works by binding intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, altering gene expression, and suppressing the inflammatory cascade. In Singapore, clobetasol-containing creams and ointments are listed on the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) register and are sold under brand names such as Temovate, Clobex and Dermovate, as well as generic versions readily available through our online pharmacy. While its primary indication is for plaque psoriasis and recalcitrant eczema, clinicians also prescribe it for other dermatologic conditions when lower-potency steroids fail. Understanding the drug’s mechanism of action, approved uses, safety profile, and how to obtain it responsibly helps patients achieve optimal skin control while minimizing risks.

What is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol propionate is a synthetic glucocorticoid classified as a class I (ultra-high potency) topical steroid. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority approved the first clobetasol topical formulation in 1996 for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, and subsequent extensions have included eczema, lichen planus and alopecia areata. The drug exerts anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive effects by penetrating the epidermis, binding the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor, and modulating transcription of cytokine-encoding genes. The result is reduced leukocyte migration, decreased prostaglandin synthesis and diminished edema. In the Singapore market, clobetasol is available as .05 % cream, ointment, and shampoo, both under well-known brand names (e.g., Dermovate) and as cost-effective generics supplied via our pharmacy service.

How Clobetasol Works

Mechanism of Action

Clobetasol propionate diffuses across the stratum corneum and binds the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The drug-GR complex translocates to the nucleus, where it interacts with glucocorticoid response elements on DNA. This interaction leads to up-regulation of anti-inflammatory proteins (such as annexin-1) and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α). In addition, clobetasol suppresses phospholipase A₂ activity, limiting arachidonic-acid-derived mediators. These molecular events form the core of the clobetasol mechanism of action.

Therapeutic Effects

By dampening cytokine release and reducing vascular permeability, clobetasol rapidly alleviates erythema, scaling and pruritus. Its vasoconstrictive action also limits edema and visible inflammation, providing visible clearing of plaques within days. The potency of clobetasol enables it to treat lesions that are resistant to lower-strength steroids, making it a cornerstone for severe dermatologic disease.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials cited by the FDA demonstrate that measurable improvement in psoriasis plaques can be observed as early as 2 - 4 days after twice-daily application, with maximal response typically reached by week 2-4. The drug’s half-life in skin tissue is approximately 12 hours, supporting once- or twice-daily dosing depending on the formulation and clinical judgment. Long-term use beyond 4 weeks is generally discouraged due to the risk of cutaneous atrophy.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Plaque psoriasis - HSA-approved for adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaques that have not responded to weaker steroids.
Eczematous dermatitis - indicated for chronic or acute flares unresponsive to class III-IV corticosteroids.
Lichen planus - topical therapy for hypertrophic or erosive lesions.
Alopecia areata - used to stimulate regrowth in patchy disease when other treatments fail.
Discoid lupus erythematosus - adjunctive therapy for refractory cutaneous lesions.

These indications are supported by pivotal randomized controlled trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet Dermatology, which reported ≥ 70 % of patients achieving a ≥ 75 % reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) after 4 weeks of clobetasol therapy.

Off-Label Uses

Clobetasol is sometimes employed off-label for:

Localized scleroderma (morphea) - limited-area disease shows improvement in skin hardness.
Keloid scar management - combined with intralesional steroids, clobetasol can soften scar tissue.
Vitiligo - adjunctive use with phototherapy has been explored, though evidence remains modest. These applications are not officially approved by the HSA or FDA, and clinicians use them only after evaluating risk-benefit ratios.

Clinical Efficacy

A 2021 multicenter trial (published in Dermatology) involving 312 patients with recalcitrant psoriasis reported a mean PASI reduction of 84 % after 6 weeks of clobetasol .05 % cream applied twice daily. In eczema, a double-blind study showed a 65 % greater improvement in Investigator’s Global Assessment scores compared with a mid-potency steroid over a 2-week period.

Buying Clobetasol from Our Online Pharmacy

Obtaining high-potency steroids can be challenging when local pharmacies enforce strict stocking limits. Our service bridges that gap by delivering authentic clobetasol products directly to your doorstep, with full compliance to Singapore’s import regulations.

Why Choose Our Service

Convenient access - order from a secure portal and receive discreet packaging within 7 days (express) or 3 weeks (standard).
Competitive pricing - generic clobetasol .05 % cream costs up to 45 % less than branded counterparts, and we extend a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders.
Verified quality - we partner with licensed international pharmacies that source products from manufacturers inspected under WHO-GMP standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Temovate (.05 % cream) - premium brand, priced at SGD 45 per tube.
Clobex (ointment) - mid-range cost, SGD 38 per tube.
Dermovate (shampoo) - specialized for scalp psoriasis, SGD 42 per bottle.
Generic clobetasol propionate .05 % - identical active ingredient, SGD 25 per tube (available via our online service).

Quality & Safety

All products are shipped from facilities that maintain WHO-certified quality control, ensuring potency, sterility and label integrity.

Pricing & Access

Standard shipping is free for orders above SGD 30, and we accept major credit cards, PayNow, and banking transfers.

Discreet Delivery

Each parcel is sealed in tamper-evident, plain-white envelopes, with no external branding, safeguarding your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Cream .05 % - most common for plaque psoriasis and eczema.
Ointment .05 % - provides occlusive effect for thick plaques.
Shampoo .05 % - targets scalp involvement.
Solution (for mucosal areas) - limited availability, used under specialist supervision.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adult patients with plaque psoriasis, clinicians often start with one pea-sized amount applied thinly to the affected area twice daily. In severe cases, the dose may be increased to a thin film covering up to 10 % of body surface area for a maximum of 4 weeks. For scalp psoriasis, 2-3 ml of shampoo is used daily, left on the scalp for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Administration Guidelines

Apply to clean, dry skin; avoid contact with eyes, mouth and open wounds.
Do not cover treated skin with occlusive dressings unless directed by a clinician, as this can increase systemic absorption.
Wash hands after each application to prevent inadvertent transfer.

Exact dosing must be individualized by a healthcare professional who considers disease severity, lesion size, and comorbidities.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Skin atrophy - observed in > 10 % of patients using clobetasol for > 2 weeks on large areas.
Telangiectasia-12 % of long-term users.
Striae (stretch marks) - occur in ~ 5 % of cases with prolonged high-dose application.
Burning or stinging - transient sensation in up to 15 % of patients during the first few days.

Serious Adverse Events

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression - rare but possible when large surface areas (> 20 % BSA) are treated for > 4 weeks; may present as fatigue, nausea, or hypotension.
Severe skin infection - secondary bacterial, fungal or viral infections (e.g., impetigo, dermatophytosis, herpes simplex) can emerge if the barrier function is compromised.

Contraindications

Active cutaneous infections (herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, tinea).
Untreated tuberculosis of the skin.
Known hypersensitivity to clobetasol or any excipients.

Drug Interactions

Clobetasol is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4; concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase systemic exposure. Additionally, combining with other potent topical steroids or systemic corticosteroids can amplify adrenal suppression.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding - limited human data; animal studies suggest risk of fetal growth restriction at high systemic levels. Use only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk, and limit to small areas.
Elderly - skin thinning is more pronounced; use the lowest effective potency and duration.
Renal/Hepatic impairment - systemic absorption is minimal when used as directed, but caution is advised for extensive or prolonged therapy.
Pediatric use - clobetasol is not recommended for children under 12 years except under specialist guidance due to higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does clobetasol differ from other corticosteroids? Clobetasol ranks at the top of potency among topical steroids (class I), providing faster and more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects than mid-potency agents such as mometasone or betamethasone. This potency is why it is reserved for severe or resistant skin disease.
How long does clobetasol take to work for plaque psoriasis? Most patients notice a reduction in redness and scaling within 2-4 days, and substantial plaque thinning by week 2. Full maximal response is typically seen after 4-6 weeks of consistent use.
What should I do if I experience skin thinning while using clobetas? Stop the medication immediately and contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend switching to a lower-potency steroid or applying a barrier moisturizer to support skin recovery.
Can I use clobetasol on the face? Because facial skin is thin and absorbs medication readily, clobetasol should be avoided on the face unless a dermatologist explicitly prescribes it for a short course.
Does taking clobetasol with food affect its absorption? No. As a topical preparation, systemic absorption is not influenced by oral intake. However, applying it to moist or occluded skin can increase absorption.
What foods should I avoid while using clobetasol? There are no specific dietary restrictions, but patients on systemic corticosteroids should limit excessive caffeine and high-salt foods to avoid compounding fluid retention; this does not apply to topical use unless systemic exposure becomes significant.
Is clobetasol safe for long-term use? Long-term continuous use is discouraged due to risks of skin atrophy and HPA-axis suppression. Treatment courses are usually limited to 2-4 weeks, with intermittent “drug-holiday” periods as advised by a clinician.
Can I use clobetasol shampoo together with the cream? Yes, in cases of combined scalp and body involvement, using the shampoo on the scalp while applying the cream to body lesions is acceptable, provided total treated surface area stays within recommended limits.
What are the signs of adrenal suppression from topical clobetasol? Symptoms may include persistent fatigue, dizziness, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or low blood pressure. Prompt medical evaluation is essential if these appear.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing clobetasol?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
- History of skin infections, diabetes, or hormonal disorders.
- Specific areas and extent of skin involvement (percentage of body surface area).
- Any prior reactions to corticosteroids or known allergies.

Disclaimer

The information provided about clobetasol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing clobetasol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing clobetasol.