Clobeta Ointment

Generic name: clobetasol propionate, coal tar
Dosage form: ointment, kit
Drug class:Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2021.

Clobeta Ointment Description

Rx Only
FOR DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY
NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC, ORAL OR INTRAVAGINAL USE

Clobetasol propionate ointment contains the active compound clobetasol propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid, for topical dermatologic use. Clobetasol, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of glucocorticoid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity.
Clobetasol propionate is a white to cream-colored crystalline powder insoluble in water. Chemically, it is 21-chloro-9-fluoro-11β,17-dihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17-propionate, and it has the following structural formula:

C25H32CIFO5 Molecular Weight: 467

Each gram of the 0.05% ointment contains clobetasol propionate 0.5 mg in a base of propylene glycol, sorbitan sesquioleate, and white petrolatum.

Clobeta Ointment - Clinical Pharmacology

Like other topical corticosteroids, clobetasol propionate 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 A2 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 A2.

Pharmacokinetics: The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours has not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption. Greater absorption was observed for the clobetasol propionate gel formulation as compared to the cream formulation in in vitro human skin p