Clobetasol

TEMOVATE

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Pronunciation: kloe-BAY-ta-sol

Clobetasol ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Clobetasol ballicule

Clobetasol TEMOVATE mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Clobetasol mascot
**“Clobber tassel To motivate”**

What it isSuperpotent topical glucocorticoid-receptor agonist; psoriasis, lichen planus, and severe eczema.

Why this oneStandard first-line treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus, despite usual caution with superpotent steroids on thin skin.

What limits itSkin atrophy and striae follow overuse; large areas or occlusion can suppress the adrenal axis, so keep courses brief and localized.

Clobetasol molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Clobetasol

Clobetasol prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Corticosteroids (topical) (1952–2026). Clobetasol enters in 1985 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (superpotent)

Off-label

oral lichen planus
vulvar lichen sclerosus

Principal riskSkin atrophy and striae; axis suppression over large areas

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger0 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk0 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityLocal tissue effects and irritation; systemic corticosteroid toxicity is uncommon at usual exposure.

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses	Adult		Apply thin layer twice daily (BID)	50 g/week; 2 consecutive weeks

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Apply a thin layer to affected skin twice daily and rub in gently and completely
Limit treatment to 2 consecutive weeks; do not exceed 50 g per week (super-high potency)
Do not use with occlusive dressings
Discontinue when control is achieved; reassess diagnosis if no improvement within 2 weeks

Available strengths

sol 0.05 %
cream 0.025, 0.05 %
gel 0.05 %
ointment 0.05 %
susp 0.05 %
foam 0.05 %
lotion 0.05 %
shampoo 0.05 %
+ 1 other marketed form not shown

Cautions

HPA-axis suppression / Cushing's syndrome with prolonged use (reported in infants and adults)
Local reactions: skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, folliculitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Secondary skin infection

Adverse reactions

Burning sensation
Irritation
Itching
Stinging
Cracking
Erythema
Skin atrophy
Telangiectasia

Pregnancy Teratogenic in animals when given subcutaneously (cleft palate, skeletal defects); use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies risk.

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Clobetasol (TEMOVATE)

Strength		#/mo	CostPlus
0.05 %	sol	per unit	not offered
0.025 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	gel	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	ointment	per unit	not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Clobetasol is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Generic entry1994

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Self-check

Which vulvar disorder has clobetasol as standard first-line treatment?
Lichen sclerosus.
What application patterns can suppress the adrenal axis?
Large areas or occlusion.