Clodan Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Clodan

Generic name: clobetasol topical [ kloe-BAY-ta-sol ]
Brand names: Clobex, Clodan, Impoyz, Olux, Olux-E, Temovate, Tovet
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 14, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Clodan?

Clobetasol is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Clodan (for the skin) is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Clodan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use Clodan if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- any type of skin infection;

- a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;

- liver disease; or

- an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known whether Clodan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply clobetasol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Some brands or forms of this medicine are for use only in adults 18 and over.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

## How should I use Clodan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Do not use Clodan on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medicine in open wounds.

Wash your hands before and after using clobetasol, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

This medicine is for short-term use only (2 weeks, or up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you use clobetasol to treat plaque psoriasis, you should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You should not stop using clobetasol suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.

Clobetasol foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the foam has completely dried on your skin.

Detailed Clodan dosage information

## Related/similar drugs

Taltz, prednisone, methotrexate, Humira, cyclosporine, Dupixent, Remicade

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of Clodan can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

## What should I avoid while using clobetasol topical?

Avoid applying Clodan to your face, underarms, or groin area.

Do not use this medicine to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with clobetasol unless your doctor tells you to.

## Clodan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clodan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- worsening of your skin condition;

- redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

- high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

- possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin--weight gain in your face and shoulders, slow wound healing, skin discoloration, thinning skin, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects of Clodan may include:

- burning, itching, swelling, or irritation of treated skin;

- dry or cracking skin;

- redness or crusting around your hair follicles;

- spider veins;

- stretch marks, thinning skin;

- rash or hives;

- acne; or

- temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Clodan side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Clodan?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Clodan drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Popular FAQ

Does the shampoo work for hair loss?

Clobetasol propionate, the active ingredient in Clodan Shampoo 0.05%, has been shown in clinical studies to stimulate hair growth in patients with alopecia areata. Clodan Shampoo, which contains topical clobetasol 0.05%, is not specifically approved by the FDA for hair regrowth but is used in adults for treatment of psoriasis on the scalp. Continue reading

How often should I use it?

Clodan (clobetasol propionate) Shampoo, 0.05% is applied onto a dry scalp once a day as a thin film. Use only in adults 18 years and older. Do not apply to a wet scalp and only apply to the area being treated. Continue reading

Does clobetasol cause hair loss or growth?

Clobetasol can stimulate hair growth. Regrowth may be noticed as early as six weeks into treatment but may take up to 12 to 14 weeks to occur. In some people, hair regrowth does not persist long-term. Clobetasol should only be used for hair loss associated with inflammatory conditions of the scalp such as alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. Hair loss or hair thinning may also occur, but this is a very rare side effect and is estimated to occur in only 1 out of every 300 people who use clobetasol. Clobetasol is a potent topical steroid and is not a good option for hair and scalp conditions that are not associated with inflammation. Continue reading

How effective is it for hair growth?

Clobetasol is effective at stimulating hair growth. Research has shown hair regrowth was stimulated in about 20 to 25% of people who used clobetasol ointment and in about 47% of people who used clobetasol foam. Regrowth was noticed as early as six weeks into treatment but may take up to 12 to 14 weeks to develop. Continue reading

How long does it take to work?

It takes about one to three days for clobetasol propionate to start working when it is being used to treat eczema. Some improvement in symptoms such as inflammation (redness) and itching, should be noticed within this time. Other symptoms, such as dryness, crusting, or scaling may take a bit longer to resolve, but improvement should occur within a week. Continue reading

### More FAQ

- How do you apply clobetasol propionate for lichen sclerosus?
- What is clobetasol propionate cream used for?

## More about Clodan (clobetasol topical)

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Latest FDA alerts (1)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical steroids

### Patient resources

- Breastfeeding
- En español

#### Other brands

Temovate, Clobex, Cormax, Impoyz, ... +11 more

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Atopic Dermatitis
- Dermatitis
- Dermatological Disorders
- Eczema

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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