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Clobetasol propionate

Clobetasol propionate should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot.
You only need to use a small amount of this preparation. One fingertip unit (a line from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) of cream or ointment is enough to cover an area twice the size of an adult hand.
Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children. In children the preparation should not normally be used for more than 5 days.

About clobetasol propionate

Type of medicine Topical corticosteroid
Used for Inflammatory skin conditions such as severe eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis
Also called Clarelux
Dermovate
Etrivex
Available as Cream
Ointment
Scalp application (liquid and cutaneous foam)
Shampoo

Clobetasol propionate is a very potent topical corticosteroid. When applied to the skin, clobetasol propionate reduces swelling, itching and redness by preventing the release of chemicals that cause these symptoms. Clobetasol propionate is not a cure for your condition, but will help relieve the symptoms.

Before using clobetasol propionate

Before using clobetasol propionate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. If you are suffering from any skin infections or other skin conditions. If you suffer from any problems with your liver. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines. Clobetasol propionate cream, ointment and liquid scalp application should not be used in children under 1 year. Clarelux cutaneous foam and Etrivex shampoo are not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

How to use clobetasol propionate

Before applying cream or ointment, wash the affected area of skin and dry well, removing all traces of soap. You only need to use a small amount of this preparation. It should be applied thinly and massaged gently into the skin until it disappears. One fingertip unit (a line from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) of cream or ointment is enough to cover an area twice the size of a flat adult palm. Wash your hands after application unless you are using the cream or ointment to treat the hands. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, the scalp application should be applied thinly, directly to the affected areas of the scalp, and left to dry. When washing or shampooing your hair, apply the scalp application after drying your hair. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, the shampoo should be applied directly to the dry scalp and massaged into the affected areas. The shampoo is left to work for 15 minutes and then rinsed with water. Your regular shampoo can be used if more shampoo is required to wash your hair. Never apply more than the quantity advised by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

If your symptoms do not begin to improve after using this preparation for 2 - 4 weeks, or if they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor. Clobetasol propionate should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot. Clobetasol propionate is for external use only. Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with mucous membranes (e.g. the mouth, vagina or the inside of the nose). Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with the face unless directed to do so by your doctor. Avoid contact with the eyes. Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children. In children the preparation should not normally be used for more than 5 days. Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects. Do not use this preparation under a nappy in children as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects. Clobetasol propionate scalp application is flammable and should be kept away from fire. Do not dry your hair near fire or a naked flame.

Can clobetasol propionate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If used correctly most people find that clobetasol propionate does not usually cause problems. If you use the preparation more than you should, it can cause thinning of the skin (particularly on the face and more easily in children), changes in skin colour, marks on the skin or an increased growth of hair in the areas where the preparation has been applied.

Possible side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Redness of the skin, rash, itching, hives, burning, soreness Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these side-effects

Important: If you experience swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, or if your condition becomes worse, tell your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store clobetasol propionate

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking or using any medicine.
Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has used too much or swallowed this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.Manufacturer's PIL, Clarelux cutaneous foam; Patient Information Leaflet, Clarelux cutaneous foam, Pierre Fabre Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised June 2007, accessed on 11 June 2008.Manufacturer's PIL, Etrivex Shampoo; Patient Information Leaflet, Etrivex Shampoo, Galderma Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised January 2007, accessed 11 June 2008.Manufacturer's PIL, Dermovate Cream; Patient Information Leaflet, Dermovate Cream, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised November 2005, accessed 11 June 2008.Manufacturer's PIL, Dermovate scalp application; Patient Information Leaflet, Dermovate scalp application, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised November 2005, accessed 11 June 2008.Manufacturer's PIL, Dermovate Ointment; Patient Information Leaflet, Dermovate Ointment, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised November 2005, accessed 11 June 2008. Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2008 DocID: 4153 DocRef: dils3915 Last Reviewed: 5 Aug 2008 Version: 5

Author:EMIS
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