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clobetasol propionate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clobetasol Propionate | .5 mg/g | 861490 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 215 members |
| Corticosteroid [EPC] | EPC | All 215 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 077763-001 | CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE | AEROSOL, FOAM | CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE | Prescription | AB1 |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 13 | Labeling | Approved | November 14, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Labeling | Approved | November 14, 2019 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | March 10, 2008 | — |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · March 11, 2008
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260714). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingWarnings and Precautions, Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions ( 5.2 ) 04/2018
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% is a corticosteroid indicated for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the scalp and mild to moderate plaque psoriasis of non-scalp regions of the body excluding the face and intertriginous areas in patients 12 years and older. Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% is a corticosteroid indicated for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the scalp and mild to moderate plaque psoriasis of non-scalp regions of the body excluding the face and intertriginous areas in patients 12 years and older. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin layer of Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% to the affected skin areas twice daily. Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% is a super-high-potency topical corticosteroid; therefore, limit treatment to 2 consecutive weeks. Patients should not use greater than 50 grams per week or more than 21 capfuls per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% is for topical use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after each application. Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. • Apply a thin layer to the affected skin areas twice daily. ( 2 ) • Limit treatment to 2 consecutive weeks. ( 2 ) • Do not use more than 50 grams per week or more than 21 capfuls per week. ( 2 ) • Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. ( 2 ) • Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by physician. ( 2 ) • Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. ( 2 )
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Clobetasol Propionate Emulsion Foam, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of clobetasol propionate, USP per gram in a white to off-white emulsion aerosol foam. Foam, 0.05%. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. • None ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) has been shown to suppress the HPA axis. Systemic absorption of Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) may produce reversible HPA axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmask latent diabetes. ( 5.1 ) • Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. ( 5.1 ) • Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop. ( 5.1 ) • High potency corticosteroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, and liver failure may predispose patients to HPA axis suppression. ( 5.1 ) • May increase the risk of cataract and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. ( 5.3 ) • Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity when treated with topical corticosteroids. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) • The propellant in Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and immediately following application. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Effects on Endocrine System Clobetasol propionate foam, 0.05% (emulsion) has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Systemic absorption of clobetasol propionate foam, 0.05% (emulsion) has caused reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticoid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid. Use of clobetasol propionate foam, 0.05% (emulsion) for longer than 2 weeks may suppress the immune system [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)] . In a trial including 37 subjects 12 years and older with atopic dermatitis of at least 30% body surface area (BSA), adrenal suppression was identified in 6 out of 37 subjects (16.2%) after 2 weeks of treatment with clobetasol propionate foam, 0.05% (emulsion) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] . Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of clobetasol propionate foam, 0.05% (emulsion) may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. Factors that predispose a patient using a topical corticosteroid to HPA axis suppression include the use of more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, use over prolonged periods, use under occlusion, use on an altered skin barrier, and use in patients with liver failure. An adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression. If HPA axis suppression is documented, an attempt should be made to gradually withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require systemic corticosteroids. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids. Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can also result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Use of more than 1 corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic corticosteroid exposure. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses because of their larger skin surface-to-body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] . 5.2 Local Adverse Reactions with Topical Corticosteroids Local adverse reactions may be more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use, or use of higher potency corticosteroids. Reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible. Allergic contact dermatitis to any component of topical corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by a failure to heal rather t …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Effects on Endocrine System [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥1%) are application site atrophy and application site reaction. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA at 1 (888) 721-7115 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In controlled clinical trials involving 821 subjects exposed to clobetasol propionate emulsion foam and vehicle foam, the pooled incidence of local adverse reactions in trials for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis with clobetasol propionate emulsion foam was 1.9% for application site atrophy and 1.6% for application site reaction. Most local adverse events were rated as mild to moderate and they were not affected by age, race, or gender. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of clobetasol formulations: erythema, pruritus, burning, alopecia, and dryness. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids: folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, irritation, striae, and miliaria. They may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate. Cushing’s syndrome has been reported in infants and adults as a result of prolonged use of topical clobetasol propionate formulations. Ophthalmic adverse reactions may include cataracts, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and central serous chorioretinopathy.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) use in pregnant women to inform of a drug associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Published data report a significantly increased risk of low birth weight with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus and to use Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible ( see Data ). In animal reproduction studies, increased malformations, such as cleft palate and skeletal abnormalities, were observed after subcutaneous administration of clobetasol propionate to pregnant mice and rabbits. No comparison of animal exposure with human exposure was computed. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Multiple observational studies found no significant associations between maternal use of topical corticosteroids of any potency and congenital malformations, preterm delivery, or fetal mortality. However, when the dispensed amount of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid exceeded 300 g during the entire pregnancy, use was associated with an increase in low birth weight infants (adjusted RR, 7.74 [95% CI, 1.49–40.11]). In addition, a small cohort study, in which 28 sub-Saharan women using potent topical corticosteroids (27/28 used clobetasol propionate 0.05%) for skin lightening during pregnancy, noted a higher incidence of low birth weight infants in the exposed group. The majority of exposed subjects treated large areas of the body (a mean quantity of 60 g/month [range, 12–170 g]) over long periods of time. Animal Data Embryofetal development studies conducted with clobetasol propionate in mice using the subcutaneous route resulted in fetotoxicity at the highest dose tested (1 mg/kg) and malformations at all dose levels tested down to 0.03 mg/kg. Malformations seen included cleft palate and skeletal abnormalities. In an embryofetal development study in rabbits, subcutaneous administration of clobetasol propionate resulted in malformations at doses of 0.003 and 0.01 mg/kg. Malformations seen included cleft palate, cranioschisis, and other skeletal abnormalities. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of clobetasol propionate in breast milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of clobetasol propionate could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure. 8.4 Pediatric Use Use in pediatric patients younger than 12 years is not recommended because of the risk of HPA axis suppression. …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Corticosteroids play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation, and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action in corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses is unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Clobetasol Propionate Emulsion Foam, 0.05% is a white to off-white emulsion aerosol foam containing the active ingredient clobetasol propionate, USP, a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. Clobetasol, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of glucocorticoid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity. Clobetasol propionate, USP is 21-chloro-9-fluoro-11β,17-dihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17-propionate, with the empirical formula C 25 H 32 ClFO 5 , and a molecular weight of 467 g/mol. The following is the chemical structure: Clobetasol Propionate, USP Clobetasol propionate, USP is a white to almost white crystalline powder, practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in benzene and diethyl ether; sparingly soluble in ethanol; freely soluble in acetone, in dimethylsulfoxide, in chloroform, in methanol and in dioxane. Each gram of Clobetasol Propionate Emulsion Foam, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg clobetasol propionate, USP. The foam also contains anhydrous citric acid, cetyl alcohol, cyclomethicone, isopropyl myristate, light mineral oil, polyoxyl-20 cetostearyl ether, potassium citrate, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitan monolaurate, white petrolatum, and phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Clobetasol Propionate Emulsion Foam is dispensed from an aluminum can pressurized with a hydrocarbon (propane/butane) propellant. structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Topically applied Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% (Emulsion) can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of clobetasol propionate, USP per gram. The white thermolabile hydroethanolic aerosol foam is available as follows: • 50-g aluminum can - NDC 68462-608-27 • 100-g aluminum can - NDC 68462-608-94 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. FLAMMABLE. AVOID FIRE, FLAME, OR SMOKING DURING AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING APPLICATION . Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures above 120°F (49°C). Keep out of reach of children.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Recalls
Source: FDA Enforcement| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class III | December 18, 2019 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | Defective delivery system; product is not foaming or is coming out as liquid. | Terminated |
| Class III | December 18, 2019 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | Defective delivery system; product is not foaming or is coming out as liquid. | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62332-707-31 | 62332-707 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (62332-707-31) / 100 g in 1 CAN | April 21, 2022 |
| 62332-707-50 | 62332-707 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (62332-707-50) / 50 g in 1 CAN | April 21, 2022 |
| 46708-707-31 | 46708-707 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (46708-707-31) / 100 g in 1 CAN | April 25, 2025 |
| 46708-707-50 | 46708-707 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (46708-707-50) / 50 g in 1 CAN | April 25, 2025 |
| 63629-9460-1 | 63629-9460 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (63629-9460-1) / 50 g in 1 CAN | October 31, 2022 |
| 68462-608-27 | 68462-608 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 50 g in 1 CAN (68462-608-27) | February 16, 2019 |
| 68462-608-94 | 68462-608 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 100 g in 1 CAN (68462-608-94) | February 16, 2019 |
| 68462-625-27 | 68462-625 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 50 g in 1 CAN (68462-625-27) | September 9, 2019 |
| 68462-625-94 | 68462-625 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 100 g in 1 CAN (68462-625-94) | September 9, 2019 |
| 45802-437-32 | 45802-437 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (45802-437-32) / 50 g in 1 CAN | March 20, 2008 |
| 45802-437-33 | 45802-437 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (45802-437-33) / 100 g in 1 CAN | March 20, 2008 |
| 45802-637-32 | 45802-637 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (45802-637-32) / 50 g in 1 CAN | February 1, 2013 |
| 45802-637-33 | 45802-637 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (45802-637-33) / 100 g in 1 CAN | February 1, 2013 |
| 51672-4193-3 | 51672-4193 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (51672-4193-3) / 50 g in 1 CAN | October 4, 2018 |
| 51672-4193-7 | 51672-4193 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (51672-4193-7) / 100 g in 1 CAN | October 4, 2018 |
| 62332-707 | 62332-707 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | April 21, 2022 |
| 46708-707 | 46708-707 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | — | April 25, 2025 |
| 63629-9460 | 63629-9460 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | March 20, 2008 |
| 68462-608 | 68462-608 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | — | February 16, 2019 |
| 68462-625 | 68462-625 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | — | September 9, 2019 |
| 45802-437 | 45802-437 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | — | March 20, 2008 |
| 45802-637 | 45802-637 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | — | February 1, 2013 |
| 51672-4193 | 51672-4193 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | — | October 4, 2018 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Enforcement | FDA | Recall records |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.