Halobetasol Cream

Generic name: halobetasol propionate
Dosage form: cream
Drug class:Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 1, 2022.

Halobetasol Cream Description

Halobetasol Propionate Ointment, 0.05% contains halobetasol propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatological use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agent.

Chemically halobetasol propionate is 21-chloro-6α, 9-difluoro-11β, 17-dihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3-20-dione, 17-propionate, C 25H 31CIF 2O 5. It has the following structural formula:

Halobetasol propionate has the molecular weight of 485. It is a white crystalline powder insoluble in water.

Each gram of Halobetasol Propionate Ointment contains 0.5 mg/g of halobetasol propionate in a base of aluminum stearate, beeswax, pentaerythritol cocoate, propylene glycol, sorbitan sesquioleate, stearyl citrate, and white petrolatum.

Halobetasol Cream - Clinical Pharmacology

Like other topical corticosteroids, halobetasol propionate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2, 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 A 2.

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 have 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.

Human and anima...