Indications

Halobetasol Propionate 0.05 percent is a super-high potency corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory and pruritic symptoms associated with corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Because of the potential for the medication to inhibit the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, treatment for more than two weeks is not suggested, and the total dosage should not exceed 50 gm/week.

Pharmacology

Halobetasol propionate, like other topical corticosteroids, has anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. In general, the mechanism of topical corticosteroids’ anti-inflammatory action is unknown. Corticosteroids, on the other hand, are considered to work by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins known as lipocortin’s. These proteins are thought to regulate the production of powerful inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes by limiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Phospholipase A2 releases arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids.

Dosage & Administration

Apply a thin layer of Halobetasol Cream or Ointment to the affected skin once or twice daily, as directed by the physician, and rub in gently and completely. Halobetasol 0.05% is a super-high potency corticosteroid; therefore, treatment should be limited to two weeks and amounts greater than 50 gm/week should not be used. As with other highly active corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control has been achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary. Halobetasol should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Contraindications

Patients having a history of hypersensitivity to any of the preparation’s components should avoid using Halobetasol Propionate Cream/Ointment.

Side Effects

The following side effects of topical corticosteroids have been documented rarely. Burning, itching, dryness, folliculitis acne, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, skin atrophy, secondary infections, striae, and miliaria are some of the responses that might occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation

During pregnancy, topical corticosteroids should only be administered if the possible benefit outweighs the danger to the baby. It’s unclear if topical corticosteroids can cause enough systemic absorption to cause measurable amounts of corticosteroids in breast milk. As a result, when topical corticosteroids are given to a breastfeeding mother, care should be used.

Precautions & Warnings

Topical corticosteroids absorbed into the bloodstream can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome symptoms, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Patients who have a high dosage of a powerful topical steroid administered to a wide surface area or who are wearing an occlusive bandage should be tested for HPA axis suppression using urinary-free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests on a regular basis. If HPA axis suppression is seen, the medication should be discontinued, the frequency of administration reduced, or a less powerful steroid substituted.

Therapeutic Class

Other Topical corticosteroids

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Generic

Halobetasol Propionate

Pharmaceutical Name

ACI Limited