How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient clobetasol propionate, which is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. When clobetasol is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch. Clobetasol is a very potent corticosteroid that is applied to the skin to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, that have not responded to milder steroids. This medicine contains clobetasol formulated as a scalp application, which is thinner and easier to apply to the scalp than the clobetasol ointments and creams used on the rest of the body. It is used to treat severe inflammatory disorders of the scalp that have not responded to milder steroids.

What is it used for?

Eczema affecting the scalp, unresponsive to weaker corticosteroids

Psoriasis of the scalp

Warning!

Wash your hands after applying this medicine to avoid inadvertently transfering it to other areas.

If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor.

This preparation is for external use only.

If you have been prescribed this medicine to treat psoriasis you should have regular check-ups with your doctor. This is because although corticosteroids may be useful for psoriasis in the short-term, they can sometimes make psoriasis worse, and may cause the condition to relapse into generalised pustular psoriasis after the treatment is stopped.

This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.

This medicine contains flammable alcohol. Avoid naked flames and lighted objects, such as gas and electric fires and lit cigarettes, and the use of artificial heat, eg hairdryers.

Consult your doctor if your skin becomes infected during treatment, as you may need to stop using this medicine and start treatment with antibiotics.

Prolonged use of this medicine should be avoided. If there is no improvement in your skin after two to four weeks of treatment consult your doctor.

If this medicine is used to treat a child it should not be used for longer than five days, and airtight dressings should not be used to cover the area.

Use with caution in

Children

Psoriasis

Not to be used in

Acne rosacea

Acne vulgaris

Bacterial, fungal or viral infection of the scalp

Children less than 1 year of age

Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.

Label warnings

Caution flammable: keep medication away from fire or flames.

This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

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