Clobetasol-17-propionate

Highly effective halogenated glucocorticoid (class IV), which is mostly used in the form of clobetasol-17-propionate. The optimum stability of clobetasol-17-propionate is at pH 4-6. Hydrolysis of the ester occurs at higher pH values. Therefore, a citrate buffer should be added to all formulations, which consists of equal parts of a 0.5 % citric acid solution and a 0.5 % sodium citrate solution and has a pH value of 4.2. The citrate buffer is used at 5 % of the total formulation. The addition of salicylic acid or urea to clobetasol 17-propionate preparations is controversial.

Apply a thin layer of ointment/cream/solution 1-2 times/day to the affected areas of skin.

Please note! Application duration max. 2-3 weeks!

0.05 % (upper guideline concentration) in ointments, creams and solutions

Allergic reactions to clobetasol-17-propionate are very rare. The DKG has previously tested clobetasol-17-propionate 0.25 % in Vaseline. This form of application is no longer available as a test substance in Germany. In this respect, a 1 % concentration of clobetasol 17-propionate in Vaseline is now recommended (as of 2016).

Prolonged, uncontrolled use in particular can lead to skin atrophy. The active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin and have a systemic effect if applied to large areas over a long period of time. In order to avoid consequences such as Cushing's syndrome and hormonal imbalances, treatment should be limited in time.

• R229; R054; R054a
• 0.05 % Clobetasol urea lotion
  • Clobetasol-17-propionate 0.05
  • Hydrophilic urea emulsion 5 % (NRF 11.72) ad 100.0
  • S: 0.05 % clobetasol urea lotion; use-by period: 6 months
  • Shaking mixture bottle with hinged cap.
• 0.05 % Clobetasol lotion
  • Clobetasol-17-propionate 0.05
  • Sol. acid. citric. 0.5 % 2.5
  • Sol. natr. citric. 0.5 % 2.5
  • Ung. emulsific. aquos. 29,0
  • Potassium sorbicum 1.0
  • Aqua purific. ad 100.0
  • S: 0.05 % Clobetasol lotion; use-by period: 6 months
  • Shaking mixture bottle with hinged cap

Clobetasol propionate has an optimum pH stability of pH 4-6 in aqueous solutions. In a strongly acidic or alkaline environment, hydrolysis occurs with cleavage of the propionic acid residue and considerable loss of efficacy. For this reason, a citrate buffer with a pH of 4.2 must be added to magistral formulations (0.5 % citric acid + 0.5 % sodium citrate solution mixed in equal parts to a total of 5 % based on the total amount of the formulation).

1. Geier J et al (2016) News on the epicutaneous test series of the German Contact Allergy Group. Dermatology at work and in the environment 64: 70-75
2. Wolf G (2011) Changes to a vehicle system. Dermatologist 62: 410-411