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Clobetasol Propionate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clobetasol Propionate | .05 g/100mL | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 090974-001 | CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE | SHAMPOO | CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE | Prescription | AB |
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 | 5 | Labeling | Approved | September 6, 2019 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Not Applicable | Approved | August 9, 2012 | — |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260709). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% is a translucent, colorless viscous liquid, supplied in 4 fl. oz. (118 mL) bottles. NDC 63629-9461-01 Storage: Keep bottle tightly closed. Store at USP controlled room temperature 68° to 77°F (20° - 25°C), with excursions permitted between 59° and 86°F (15° - 30°C). Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504 1.1 Indication Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% is a super-high potent topical corticosteroid formulation indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe forms of scalp psoriasis in subjects 18 years of age and older. Treatment should be limited to 4 consecutive weeks. The total dosage should not exceed 50 g (50 mL or 1.75 fl. oz.) per week. Patients should be instructed to use Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% for the minimum time period necessary to achieve the desired results [see Dosage and Administration (2)] . Use in patients younger than 18 years of age is not recommended due to numerically high rates of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] . 1.2 Limitations of Use Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% should not be used on the face, groin or axillae. Avoid any contact of the drug product with the eyes and lips. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water all parts of the body that came in contact with the shampoo.
1.1 Indication Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% is a super-high potent topical corticosteroid formulation indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe forms of scalp psoriasis in subjects 18 years of age and older. Treatment should be limited to 4 consecutive weeks. The total dosage should not exceed 50 g (50 mL or 1.75 fl. oz.) per week. Patients should be instructed to use Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% for the minimum time period necessary to achieve the desired results [see Dosage and Administration (2)] . Use in patients younger than 18 years of age is not recommended due to numerically high rates of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] .
1.2 Limitations of Use Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% should not be used on the face, groin or axillae. Avoid any contact of the drug product with the eyes and lips. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water all parts of the body that came in contact with the shampoo.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05% is for topical use only, and not for ophthalmic, oral or intravaginal use. Clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, should be applied onto dry (not wet) scalp once a day in a thin film to the affected areas only, and left in place for 15 minutes before lathering and rinsing. The total dosage should not exceed 50 g (50 mL or 1.75 fl. oz.) per week. Move the hair away from the scalp so that one of the affected areas is exposed. Position the bottle over the lesion. Apply a small amount of the shampoo directly onto the lesion, letting the product naturally flow from the bottle (gently squeeze the bottle), avoiding any contact of the product with the facial skin, eyes or lips. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Spread the product so that the entire lesion is covered with a thin uniform film. Massage gently into the lesion and repeat for additional lesion(s). Wash your hands after applying clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%. Leave the shampoo in place for 15 minutes, then add water, lather and rinse thoroughly all parts of the scalp and body that came in contact with the shampoo (e.g., hands, face, neck and shoulders). Avoid contact with eyes and lips. Minimize contact to non-affected areas of the body. Although no additional shampoo is necessary to cleanse your hair, you may use a non-medicated shampoo if desired. Treatment should be limited to 4 consecutive weeks. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If complete disease control is not achieved after 4 weeks of treatment with clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, treatment with a less potent topical steroid may be substituted. If no improvement is seen within 4 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary. Clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, should not be used with occlusive dressings (shower cap or bathing cap) unless directed by a physician. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 ) Clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05% should be applied onto dry (not wet) scalp once a day in a thin film to the affected areas only, and left in place for 15 minutes before lathering and rinsing. Clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05% contains a super-high potent topical corticosteroid; therefore treatment should be limited to 4 weeks. ( 2 ) As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. ( 2 ) Total dosage should not exceed 50 g (50 mL or 1.75 fl. oz.) per week. ( 2 ) Clobetasol propionate shampoo should not be used with a shower cap or bathing cap. ( 2 )
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Shampoo, 0.05%, w/w. Each gram of clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, contains 0.5 mg of clobetasol propionate, USP in a translucent, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid. Shampoo, 0.05% ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Clobetasol propionate is a highly potent topical corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis at the lowest doses tested. ( 5.1 ) Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can also result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. ( 5.1 ) Systemic absorption may require periodic evaluation for HPA axis suppression. Modify use if HPA axis suppression develops. ( 5.1 ) Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from use of topical corticosteroids. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) If irritation develops in the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, use of Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled. ( 5.3 ) Local adverse reactions with topical corticosteroids may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids, including clobetasol propionate. These reactions include: folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, striae and miliaria. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Effects on the Endocrine System Clobetasol propionate is a highly potent topical corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the HPA axis at the lowest doses tested. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid. The effect of clobetasol propionate shampoo, 0.05% on HPA axis suppression was evaluated in one trial in adolescents 12 to 17 years of age. In this trial, 5 of 12 evaluable subjects developed suppression of their HPA axis following 4 weeks of treatment with clobetasol propionate shampoo, 0.05% applied once daily for 15 minutes to a dry scalp before lathering and rinsing. Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids 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 adrenocorticotropic 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 supplemental 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 one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic exposure. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . 5.2 Allergic Contact Dermatitis If irritation develops, Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation. Clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be confirmed with patch testing. 5.3 Concomitant Skin Infections In the presence of dermatologic infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial a …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions are burning/stinging, pruritus, edema, folliculitis, acne, dry skin, irritant dermatitis, alopecia, urticaria, skin atrophy and telangiectasia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Padagis ® at 1-866-634-9120 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 practice. In clinical trials with clobetasol propionate shampoo, 0.05%, the following adverse reactions have been reported: headache, burning/stinging, pruritus, edema, folliculitis, acne, dry skin, irritant dermatitis, alopecia, urticaria, skin atrophy and telangiectasia. Table 1 summarizes selected adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of subjects in the Phase 2 and 3 studies for scalp psoriasis. Table 1: Summary of Selected Adverse Reactions ≥ 1% by Body System Body System Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% N=558 Vehicle Shampoo N=127 Skin and Appendages 49 (8.8%) 28 (22.0%) Discomfort Skin 26 (4.7%) 16 (12.6%) Pruritus 3 (0.5%) 9 (7.1%) Body As A Whole 33 (5.9%) 12 (9.4%) Headache 10 (1.8%) 1 (0.8%) Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible HPA axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. 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 propionate shampoo, 0.05%. • Endocrine disorders: Cushing’s syndrome, Adrenal suppression • Eye: Eye pain, Vision blurred, Eye irritation • CNS: Dizziness • GI: Nausea • Skin: Erythema, Skin exfoliation, Rash, Skin irritation, Hair color changes, Allergic contact dermatitis, Pain of skin, Skin tightness • Other: Psoriasis (aggravation)
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 practice. In clinical trials with clobetasol propionate shampoo, 0.05%, the following adverse reactions have been reported: headache, burning/stinging, pruritus, edema, folliculitis, acne, dry skin, irritant dermatitis, alopecia, urticaria, skin atrophy and telangiectasia. Table 1 summarizes selected adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of subjects in the Phase 2 and 3 studies for scalp psoriasis. Table 1: Summary of Selected Adverse Reactions ≥ 1% by Body System Body System Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% N=558 Vehicle Shampoo N=127 Skin and Appendages 49 (8.8%) 28 (22.0%) Discomfort Skin 26 (4.7%) 16 (12.6%) Pruritus 3 (0.5%) 9 (7.1%) Body As A Whole 33 (5.9%) 12 (9.4%) Headache 10 (1.8%) 1 (0.8%) Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible HPA axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.
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 propionate shampoo, 0.05%. • Endocrine disorders: Cushing’s syndrome, Adrenal suppression • Eye: Eye pain, Vision blurred, Eye irritation • CNS: Dizziness • GI: Nausea • Skin: Erythema, Skin exfoliation, Rash, Skin irritation, Hair color changes, Allergic contact dermatitis, Pain of skin, Skin tightness • …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application to laboratory animals. Clobetasol propionate is absorbed percutaneously, and when administered subcutaneously it was a significant teratogen in both the rabbit and the mouse. Clobetasol propionate has greater teratogenic potential than steroids that are less potent. The effect of clobetasol propionate on pregnancy outcome and development of offspring was studied in the rat. Clobetasol propionate was administered subcutaneously to female rats twice daily (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mcg/kg/day) from day 7 of presumed gestation through day 25 of lactation or day 24 presumed gestation for those rats that did not deliver a litter. The maternal no-observed-effect-level (NOEL) for clobetasol propionate was less than 12.5 mcg/kg/day due to reduced body weight gain and feed consumption during the gestation period. The reproductive NOEL in the dams was 25 mcg/kg/day (ratio of animal dose to proposed human dose of 0.07 on a mg/m 2 /day basis) based on prolonged delivery at a higher dose level. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for viability and growth in the offspring was 12.5 mcg/kg/day (ratio of animal dose to proposed human dose of 0.03 on a mg/m 2 /day basis) based on incidence of stillbirths, reductions in pup body weights on days 1 and 7 of lactation, increased pup mortality, increases in the incidence of umbilical hernia, and increases in the incidence of pups with cysts on the kidney at higher dose levels during the preweaning period. The weights of the epididymides and testes were significantly reduced at higher dosages. Despite these changes, there were no effects on the mating and fertility of the offspring. 8.3 Nursing Mothers 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 corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, is administered to a nursing woman. 8.4 Pediatric Use Use of clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, in patients under 18 years old is not recommended due to potential for HPA axis suppression [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. The effect of clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, on HPA axis suppression was evaluated in one trial in adolescents 12 to 17 years of age with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis with involvement of at least 25% of the scalp. In this trial, 5 of 12 evaluable subjects developed suppression of their HPA axis following 4 weeks of treatment with clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, applied once daily for 15 minutes to a dry scalp before lathering and rinsing. Only 1 of the 5 subjects who had suppression was tested for recovery of HPA axis, and this subject recovered after 2 weeks. No studies have been performed in patients under the age of 12. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse effects including striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. Therefo …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Like other topical corticosteroids, clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A 2 .
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Clobetasol propionate shampoo, USP 0.05%, contains clobetasol propionate USP, a synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid, for topical use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. The chemical name of clobetasol propionate, USP is 21-chloro-9-fluoro-11ß,17-dihydroxy-16ß-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione 17-propionate. It has the following structural formula: Clobetasol propionate, USP has a molecular weight of 466.97 (CAS Registry Number 25122-46-7). The molecular formula is C 25 H 32 CIFO 5 . Clobetasol propionate, USP is a white to practically white crystalline, odorless powder insoluble in water. Each gram of clobetasol propionate shampoo, USP 0.05%, contains 0.5 mg of clobetasol propionate, USP in a translucent, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid shampoo base consisting of alcohol 12.08% v/v, citric acid, coco-betaine, polyquaternium-10, purified water, sodium citrate, and sodium laureth sulfate. Structrual Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Topically applied, clobetasol propionate shampoo USP, 0.05%, can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ].
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Clobetasol Propionate Shampoo, 0.05% is a translucent, colorless viscous liquid, supplied in 4 fl. oz. (118 mL) bottles. NDC: 72162-1442-2: 118 mL in a BOTTLE Storage: Keep bottle tightly closed. Store at USP controlled room temperature 68° to 77°F (20° - 25°C), with excursions permitted between 59° and 86°F (15° - 30°C). Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504
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.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62332-548-04 | 62332-548 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (62332-548-04) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | May 26, 2020 |
| 46708-548-04 | 46708-548 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (46708-548-04) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | March 18, 2025 |
| 69238-1732-8 | 69238-1732 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (69238-1732-8) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | June 15, 2021 |
| 63629-9461-1 | 63629-9461 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (63629-9461-1) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | October 31, 2022 |
| 72162-1442-2 | 72162-1442 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE (72162-1442-2) | April 2, 2025 |
| 68308-664-04 | 68308-664 | Mayne Pharma Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (68308-664-04) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | November 3, 2023 |
| 16714-030-01 | 16714-030 | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (16714-030-01) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | March 28, 2021 |
| 45802-961-26 | 45802-961 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE (45802-961-26) | August 10, 2012 |
| 51672-1347-8 | 51672-1347 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (51672-1347-8) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | March 25, 2021 |
| 62332-548 | 62332-548 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | May 26, 2020 |
| 46708-548 | 46708-548 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | — | March 18, 2025 |
| 69238-1732 | 69238-1732 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC | — | June 15, 2021 |
| 63629-9461 | 63629-9461 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | August 10, 2012 |
| 72162-1442 | 72162-1442 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | August 10, 2012 |
| 68308-664 | 68308-664 | Mayne Pharma Inc. | — | November 3, 2023 |
| 16714-030 | 16714-030 | NORTHSTAR RX LLC | — | March 28, 2021 |
| 45802-961 | 45802-961 | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | — | August 10, 2012 |
| 51672-1347 | 51672-1347 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | — | March 25, 2021 |
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 |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.