Indications - Halobetasol Propionate 0.05% is a super-high potent 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 gm/week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis.
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.
Side Effects - The following adverse effects have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids. These reactions include burning, itching, dryness, folliculitis acne, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, skin atrophy, secondary infections, striae and miliaria.
Contraindications - Halobetasol Propionate Cream/Ointment is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
Others - Pregnancy & Lactation Topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Therefore caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.