Clobetasol

The Basics

What is Clobetasol?

Used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. The solution is used for scalp problems, the foam is used for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, the cream, lotion, and spray are used for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and the foam and shampoo are used for moderate to severe scalp psoriasis.

Brand names for Clobetasol

Clobex

How Clobetasol is classified

Corticosteroids – Topical, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Clobetasol During Pregnancy

Clobetasol pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Clobetasol while pregnant

N/A

Taking Clobetasol While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Clobetasol?

Clobetasol has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin; clobetasol should be avoided on the nipple.[1] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Clobetasol has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin; clobetasol should be avoided on the nipple.[1] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Possible effects of Clobetasol on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Clobetasol

(Topical) Hydrocortisone, Topical.