Clobetasol propionate is a superpotent topical corticosteroid. Applied to the skin, it reduces the inflammation, redness, scaling, and itch of conditions such as psoriasis and eczema (MedlinePlus, Clobetasol Topical). Manufactured clobetasol propionate is sold at 0.05% as a cream, ointment, gel, lotion, foam, spray, solution, and shampoo (MedlinePlus, Clobetasol Topical); other strengths, other bases, and preparations for the mouth and vagina are prepared by compounding.
Bayview compounds clobetasol propionate as 0.1% and 0.2% ointment, 0.05% foam, 0.05% topical or vaginal gel, 0.05% dental gel, 0.05% oral rinse, and a 0.5 mg vaginal suppository, along with combinations for the scalp, skin, nails, and mouth, to the strength and base your prescriber orders. Clobetasol propionate itself is an FDA-approved drug, but these compounded strengths, bases, and forms are not FDA-approved. A valid prescription is required, and only your prescriber can decide whether it is appropriate for you. Bayview compounds this as part of our dermatology compounding line.
How does it work?
Corticosteroids act in the skin through anti-inflammatory, anti-mitotic, and immunosuppressive effects: they narrow small blood vessels, turn down the chemical signals that drive inflammation, and slow the overactive cell turnover seen in psoriasis (StatPearls, Topical Corticosteroids). Topical steroids are ranked in seven potency classes, and clobetasol propionate 0.05% sits in class I, the superpotent group (StatPearls, Topical Corticosteroids). Clobetasol has been shown to suppress the body's own steroid production (the HPA axis) at doses as low as 2 g per day, which is why labeling sets firm limits on amount and course length (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label).
What is it used for?
Manufactured clobetasol propionate 0.05% is indicated for the inflammatory and itchy manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label). Prescribers use it for psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, and eczema (MedlinePlus, Clobetasol Topical). For genital lichen sclerosus, a course of a high-potency topical steroid such as clobetasol propionate is described as the standard treatment (StatPearls, Lichen Sclerosus). Inside the mouth, topical corticosteroids in an adhesive gel or a rinse are first-line treatment for symptomatic oral lichen planus (StatPearls, Oral Lichen Planus). Use in the mouth and vagina is off-label: the manufactured label is for skin use only. Your prescriber decides whether clobetasol is appropriate and how it is used.
Ointment, gel, foam, or something else?
The base changes how the medicine feels and how strongly it acts. Ointments are the most occlusive and most potent base and suit thick, dry lesions; creams are less potent and absorb without a greasy film (StatPearls, Topical Corticosteroids). Gels, foams, solutions, and shampoos spread through hair and suit the scalp (MedlinePlus, Clobetasol Topical). The dental gel is applied to dried patches inside the mouth, and a rinse reaches widespread or hard-to-reach areas (StatPearls, Oral Lichen Planus). Your prescriber selects the form and strength.
How is it used?
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin, usually twice a day, and rub in gently. Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the area unless your prescriber tells you to, keep it away from the eyes, and wash your hands afterward unless you are treating your hands (MedlinePlus, Clobetasol Topical). For the manufactured 0.05% cream and ointment, labeling limits treatment to 2 consecutive weeks and no more than 50 g per week, and treatment stops once the condition is controlled (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label).
If there is no improvement within 2 weeks, contact your prescriber rather than continuing (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label). For a dental gel or rinse, dry the area first as directed and avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes afterward (StatPearls, Oral Lichen Planus). Vaginal preparations are used only as your prescriber directs.
Side effects & safety
The most frequent effect is burning or stinging where it is applied. Less often it causes itching, skin thinning, and cracking; folliculitis, lightening of the skin, perioral dermatitis, stretch marks, and heat rash have also been reported (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label). Skin thinning is the most common adverse effect of topical corticosteroids overall (StatPearls, Topical Corticosteroids).
Who should not use it?
Avoid clobetasol if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It is not used to treat rosacea or perioral dermatitis, and the manufactured product is not used on the face, groin, or underarms (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label). Skin infections need their own treatment (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label). Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant; labeling advises use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk (DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label). If you are breastfeeding, short-term use on limited areas is unlikely to pose a risk to the infant, but clobetasol should not be applied to the nipple (LactMed, Clobetasol). Also mention diabetes, other steroid medicines, and a large treatment area.
How should it be stored?
Store as directed on your label, at room temperature away from heat and moisture, in the container it came in and tightly closed (MedlinePlus, Clobetasol Topical). Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not use it after the beyond-use date, and dispose of unused medication as directed.
Why is this compounded?
FDA-approved clobetasol propionate is made only at 0.05%, in cream, ointment, gel, solution, foam, lotion, shampoo, and spray (MedlinePlus, Clobetasol Topical). Compounding covers what that line does not: ointment above 0.05%, a dental gel and rinse for the mouth, vaginal gel and suppositories, and combinations with antifungal, keratolytic, or anesthetic ingredients. When a manufactured product fits the prescription, Bayview dispenses the manufactured product.
As a 503A compounding pharmacy, Bayview prepares small batches under USP standards for individual patient prescriptions; we do not supply clinic or office stock, which is a 503B outsourcing facility role. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved. Related guides: Fluocinonide, Triamcinolone, Compounded Tacrolimus, and Magic Mouthwash. The full list is in our compounded medications catalog.
Clinical details for prescribers
Regulatory status. Clobetasol propionate is a synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid, class I (superpotent) on the seven-class scale. FDA-approved presentations are 0.05% only: cream, ointment, gel, topical solution, foam, lotion, shampoo, and spray. Manufactured 0.05% cream, gel, and ointment labeling reads "for dermatologic use only; not for ophthalmic, oral or intravaginal use." The 0.1% and 0.2% ointments, the dental gel, the oral rinse, the vaginal gel and suppository, and all combinations are compounded and not FDA-approved; oral and vaginal use is off-label. Not a controlled substance. Prepared via 503A compounding.
Formulation & directions. Bayview compounds clobetasol propionate 0.1% and 0.2% ointment, 0.05% foam, 0.05% topical/vaginal gel, 0.05% dental gel, 0.05% oral rinse, and 0.5 mg vaginal suppositories, plus combinations with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, ciclopirox, salicylic acid, coal tar, lidocaine, tretinoin, and others. Labeled directions for 0.05% cream and ointment: a thin layer twice daily, no more than 2 consecutive weeks, no more than 50 g per week, no occlusive dressings, not on the face, groin, or axillae, and discontinue when control is achieved. Specify site, frequency, course length, and whether occlusion is permitted on every prescription; for strengths above 0.05%, state the weekly amount and course length explicitly. Oral gel and rinse: apply to dried mucosa or swish and expectorate as directed, nothing by mouth for 30 minutes after.
Safety & counseling:
- HPA-axis suppression has been shown at doses as low as 2 g/day; Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can occur. Consider ACTH stimulation, A.M. plasma cortisol, or urinary free cortisol testing when large areas are treated or occlusion is used, and withdraw, reduce frequency, or substitute a less potent steroid if suppression is found. Compounded strengths above 0.05% have no labeled dose limits.
- Not for rosacea or perioral dermatitis; avoid the face, groin, and axillae. Local harms include burning, stinging, atrophy, cracking, folliculitis, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, striae, and miliaria.
- Pediatrics: use under 12 years is not recommended for the cream and ointment; HPA suppression, Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children.
- Genital lichen sclerosus: a three-month course of a high-potency steroid such as clobetasol propionate is described as the standard treatment, with long-term follow-up because of the risk of squamous cell carcinoma in anogenital disease.
- Oral preparations: oropharyngeal candidiasis is a common complication; consider antifungal therapy when indicated. Rinse is expectorated, not swallowed.
- Lactation: short-term use on limited areas is unlikely to affect the infant; avoid application to the nipple or areola.
- Steroid-sparing alternatives for the face, folds, and maintenance include compounded tacrolimus.
Non-controlled; ships to patient or office per order form. Licensed to dispense in RI, MA, CT, NJ, NH, FL, ME, and PA. Background: StatPearls, Topical Corticosteroids; DailyMed, clobetasol propionate 0.05% label; StatPearls, Lichen Sclerosus; StatPearls, Oral Lichen Planus; LactMed, Clobetasol. Account setup, licensing, and ordering are covered on our for providers page.
This is a prescription compounded medication and is not FDA-approved. This information is educational and is not medical advice. Your prescriber determines whether it is appropriate and sets the formulation and directions.
