Return to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse. Clobetasol topical alone will not treat the condition if it is an infection.
Clobetasol topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether clobetasol topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. If it is necessary to use clobetasol during pregnancy, the smallest amount possible should be applied, for the shortest time necessary to treat the condition, under the supervision of a doctor.
It is not known whether clobetasol passes into breast milk. Do not use clobetasol topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Apply the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after each application, unless clobetasol topical is being used to treat a hand condition.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.
Apply the scalp lotion as directed.
The foam should be dispensed into the cap of the can, onto a saucer or other cool surface, or directly onto the lesion. Dispensing the medication directly onto the hands is not recommended (unless the hands are the affected area), as the foam will being to melt immediately upon contact with warm skin. Rinse the hands with cold water before applying the medication to prevent melting of the foam. If the can seems warm or the foam is runny, run the can under cold water.
When applying clobetasol to an area where hair is present, move the hair away from the affected area so that the medication can be applied to the skin. Gently massage the medication into the affected area.
Use caution on areas where the skin creases, such as armpits, knees, and elbows. These areas may absorb more medication. Also, avoid the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
If you need to protect the area, it can be covered with a breathable cotton-gauze dressing. Avoid using plastic, occlusive dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the area.
Do not use more than 50 grams of clobetasol cream, ointment, foam or gel or more than 50 mL of the lotion in 1 week, or apply it for longer than 2 weeks in a row unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not use clobetasol topical to treat any area of the body that it is not prescribed for. This could be dangerous.
It is important to use clobetasol topical regularly to get the most benefit.
Store clobetasol topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
No serious systemic side effects are expected unless a large amount of clobetasol topical is used for a long period of time. If the drug is being absorbed by the body, you may experience blurred vision, halos around lights, an irregular heartbeat, insomnia, mood changes, weight gain, or fatigue. If you experience any of these or other unusual side effects, notify your doctor.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. You may experience some redness, blistering, burning, itching, or peeling. Continue to use clobetasol topical and talk to your doctor about any side effects.
Other local side effects may also occur, especially with prolonged use of clobetasol topical. These may include thinning of the skin, prolonged redness, and stretch marks.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not use plastic bandages, dressings, or diapers that do not allow air to circulate to the area (occlusive dressings) unless your doctor directs you to do so. The use of occlusive dressings can greatly increase the amount of drug the body absorbs.
Do not use clobetasol topical to treat any area of the body that it is not prescribed for. This could be dangerous.
Clobetasol topical is not approved for use by children younger than12 years of age. Do not use clobetasol topical to treat a child, unless it is prescribed by a doctor for the child. Children are more sensitive to the effects of clobetasol topical.
Do not use more than 50 grams of clobetasol cream, ointment, foam or gel or more than 50 mL of the lotion in 1 week, or apply it for longer than 2 weeks in a row unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The OLUX foam is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and immediately following application of the medication.
Do not use plastic bandages, dressings, or diapers that do not allow air to circulate to the area unless your doctor directs you to do so. The use of occlusive dressings can greatly increase the amount of drug the body absorbs.
Do not use other topical products on the treated area, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The OLUX foam is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and immediately following application of the medication.
Do not use other topical products on the treated area, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clobetasol topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
An overdose of clobetasol topical is not likely to threaten life. If the medication is ingested, or if a large amount is used over a large area and side effects are being experienced, call an emergency room or a poison control center for advice.