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Clobetasol Shampoo

Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Clobetasol shampoo is a topical corticosteroid solution for applying on the scalp. Corticosteroids help to treat conditions involving inflammation (signs include warmth, redness, swelling and pain).

Clobetasol is used to reduce the redness and itchiness related to scalp problems such as dermatoses (skin injury) and psoriasis, a condition where patients develop red, dry itchy patches of skin.

This medication is generally used in patients who are 18 years of age and older.

How should I take or use this medication?

Apply this shampoo on the affected areas of the scalp once a day.
Do not wet your hair before using this shampoo. Move the hair away from the affected area on the scalp, apply a small amount of the shampoo and gently rub it into the affected area directly. Repeat for the other affected areas on your scalp.
Do not cover your head with a shower cap or bathing cap while the shampoo is on your scalp, unless instructed by your doctor.
Leave the shampoo on your scalp for 15 minutes, then wet your hair with water and wash. Rinse well.
You do not have to use other shampoos after using this medicated shampoo. However, you can choose to use a non-medicated shampoo on your hair after using this medicated shampoo. However, you can choose to use a non-medicated shampoo on your hair after using this shampoo if you want to.
Wash your hands after applying this shampoo. Wash any other part of your body that may have come into contact with this shampoo, such as your neck and shoulders.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you miss a dose or forget to apply your medication, apply it as soon as you can.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medication and skip the missed dose.
Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for a missed dose. If you have missed many doses, please contact your doctor or pharmacist to check what you should do.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Do not use this shampoo on your mouth, nose, eyes, groin or armpits.
Do not apply to wounds or damaged skin.
Use this medication only for the condition prescribed. Do not apply large amounts of this medication or use it more often than instructed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of side effects may increase.
Do not use more than 50 grams (about three tablespoons or 50 mL) of this shampoo per week. Do not use this shampoo for more than 28 days.

Inform your healthcare professional if you:

Are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Are applying any other creams or medications on the affected area
Have any skin infections
Experience irritation of the treated skin that does not go away
Have affected areas that do not seem to be improving after four weeks

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Skin irritation, itching, stinging, dry skin
Skin changes such as pimples, stretch marks, slow healing or hair growth at the treated area
Skin thinning or change of colour of the skin if used for a long period of time

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

N.A.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on Nov 2022

This article was last reviewed on Thursday, June 22, 2023