Overview
DESCRIPTION Halobetasol Propionate Ointment, 0.05% contains halobetasol propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatological use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agent. Chemically halobetasol propionate is 21-chloro-6α,...
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Like other topical corticosteroids, halobetasol propionate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 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 A 2 .
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Halobetasol Propionate Ointment 0.05% is a super-high potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Treatment beyond two consecutive weeks is not recommended, and the total dosage should not exceed 50 g/week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Use in children under 12 years of age is not recommended. As with other highly active corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control has been achieved.
Common Doses
- 50 g
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin layer of Halobetasol Propionate Ointment to the affected skin once or twice daily, as directed by your physician, and rub in gently and completely. Halobetasol Propionate Ointment is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid; therefore, treatment should be limited to two weeks, and amounts greater than 50 g/wk should not be used. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Halobetasol Propionate Ointment is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS In controlled clinical trials, the most frequent adverse events reported for Halobetasol Propionate Ointment included stinging or burning in 1.6% of the patients. Less frequently reported adverse reactions were pustulation, erythema, skin atrophy, leukoderma, acne, itching, secondary infection, telangiectasia, urticaria, dry skin, miliaria, paresthesia, and rash. The following additional local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with high potency corticosteroids, such as Halobetasol Propionate Ointment.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.