Product Details

Indication

For short-term topical treatment of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of moderate to severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp.

Associated Conditions

• Mild Plaque psoriasis
• Moderate Dermatosis
• Moderate Plaque psoriasis
• Severe Dermatosis

Pharmacodynamics

Like other topical corticosteroids, clobetasol has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. It is a very high potency topical corticosteroid that should not be used with occlusive dressings. It is recommended that treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks and therapy should be discontinued when adequate results have been achieved.

Mechanism of action

The precise mechanism of the antiinflammatory activity of topical steroids in the treatment of steroid-responsive dermatoses, in general, is uncertain. 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. Initially, however, clobetasol, like other corticosteroids, bind to the glucocorticoid receptor, which complexes, enteres the cell nucleus and modifies genetic transcription (transrepression/transactivation).

Absorption

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from intact healthy skin. The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusion, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may also increase percutaneous absorption.

Metabolism

Metabolized, primarily in the liver, and then excreted by the kidneys.

Route of elimination

Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids, including clobetasol propionate and its metabolites, are also excreted into the bile.

Toxicity

Oral LD50 in rat and mouse is >3000 mg/kg. Topically applied clobetasol can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Symptoms of overdose include thinning of skin and suppression of adrenal cortex (decreased ability to respond to stress).

Affected organisms

• Humans and other mammals

SOURCE: DRUG.COM