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Pharmacotherapeutic group: Topical Corticosteroid.
Pharmacology: Clobetasol propionate is a highly active corticosteroid with topical anti-inflammatory activity. The major effect of Clobetasol propionate on skin is a non-specific anti-inflammatory response, partially due to vasoconstriction and decrease in collagen synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics: Percutaneous penetration of Clobetasol propionate varies among individuals and can be increased by the use of occlusive dressings, or when the skin is inflamed or diseased.
Mean peak plasma Clobetasol propionate concentrations of 0.63 ng/mL occurred in one study eight hours after the second application (13 hours after an initial application) of 30 g Clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment to normal individuals with healthy skin. Following the application of a second dose of 30 g Clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% mean peak plasma concentrations were slightly higher than the ointment and occurred 10 hours after application.
In a separate study, mean peak plasma concentrations of approximately 2.3 ng/mL and 4.6 ng/mL occurred respectively in patients with psoriasis and eczema three hours after a single application of 25 g Clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment. Following percutaneous absorption of Clobetasol propionate, the drug probably follows the metabolic pathway of systemically administered corticosteroids, i.e. metabolized primarily by the liver and then excreted by the kidneys. However, systemic metabolism of Clobetasol has never been fully characterized or quantified.
