INN monograph
Clobetasol Dipropionate
Corticosteroid · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Unsourced template; Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Corticosteroid)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections (untreated) for systemic steroids.
- Live vaccines with significant immunosuppression.
- Hypersensitivity.
- Topical: untreated skin infection at site (relative).
Precautions
- Shortest course, lowest dose.
- Taper after prolonged systemic use.
- Infection risk, hyperglycaemia, BP rise, mood changes, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, glaucoma/cataract.
- Adrenal insufficiency on withdrawal.
- Stress-dose cover if indicated.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.
Paediatric
Paediatric dosing is weight- and age-based; use a paediatric formulary / SmPC. Do not extrapolate adult tablets without calculation.
Renal
Fluid retention/hypertension — care in renal disease.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Prednisone needs hepatic activation to prednisolone.
Safety
Drug interactions
- State indication and planned duration on every prescription.
- Bone protection if prolonged.
- Screen for strongyloides risk before prolonged high-dose in endemic exposure.
- ICS: spacer + rinse mouth.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Insomnia, increased appetite, mood lability, dyspepsia, hyperglycaemia.
- Chronic: cushingoid features, myopathy, osteoporosis, HPA suppression.
- Topical: skin atrophy, striae.
- Inhaled: thrush, dysphonia.
Use
Indications
- Therapeutic use is agent- and indication-specific within the class (Corticosteroid).
- Use according to culture results, national guidelines (Kenya STG/EML where applicable) and the current product SmPC.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Corticosteroids bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory cytokines, inhibit phospholipase A2 via lipocortins, reduce leukocyte migration and stabilise membranes — potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Full mechanism text
Corticosteroids bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory cytokines, inhibit phospholipase A2 via lipocortins, reduce leukocyte migration and stabilise membranes — potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Mineralocorticoid activity varies by agent.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Hours–days |
|---|---|
| Duration | Agent and route dependent |
| Route | ORAL / IV / IM / INHALED / TOPICAL / NASAL / OPHTHALMIC |
Full PK/PD text
Systemic agents: good absorption, hepatic metabolism, variable half-lives (dexamethasone long). Inhaled/topical: designed to minimise systemic exposure but high-dose/long duration still risks adrenal suppression.
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| No brands linked yet. | |||
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Used when maternal benefit clear; prefer agents with better obstetric data (e.g. prednisolone). Document risk–benefit.
Lactation
Low-dose systemic often compatible; time feeds if high dose — agent-specific.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Unsourced template; Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Corticosteroid)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.