Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?

Topical clobetasol (Clobex, Impoyz, generics) is considered a very high potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used on the skin, while triamcinolone (Triderm, generics) is a medium-to-low potency medicine. These prescription products may be used to treat conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin allergies, rashes or serious insect bites.

Topical corticosteroids work by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain, redness, and itching.

Side effects are similar between these two medicines because they are in the same drug class. Common side effects can include skin irritation, itching, burning, contact dermatitis, skin thinning (atrophy), prominent blood vessels, striae (stretch marks), folliculitis, or changes in skin color.

Topical steroids can be absorbed through the skin and lead to dangerous side effects if not used exactly as directed by your doctor. Cushing's syndrome, changes in blood sugar and suppression of the HPA axis can occur.

Both clobetasol and triamcinolone are available as a generic option and come in many different forms (like lotion, gel, or cream). Generics are typically more affordable than their brand name counterparts.

Related: Drugs.com Price Guide for topical clobetasol and triamcinolone

How do topical clobetasol and triamcinolone come?

The topical products are available in a variety of brand name and generic formulations that can be used on the skin, such as creams, lotions and sprays.

Clobetasol

Available brand names of topical clobetasol include:

• Clobex 0.05% (lotion, shampoo, spray)
• Impoyz 0.025% (cream)

Clobetasol is also available generically as a topical cream, ointment, lotion, gel, solution, spray, shampoo and aerosol foam.

Triamcinolone

Brand names of topical triamcinolone include:

• Triderm (cream)

Triamcinolone is available as a generic product in a topical cream, ointment, lotion, dental paste, and topical spray.

Where can I apply these products?

Most topical corticosteroid products come in forms that are specific to the area being treated; for example, products used for scalp psoriasis would come in topical shampoos or solutions.

Sprays, creams and ointments are often applied to skin. Ointments are not usually applied to areas with hair due as this can be messy, but are useful for areas with thicker skin (such as the soles of the feet or the palms of the hand).

Triamcinolone dental paste products can be used in the mouth to reduce swelling and ulcers that are not caused by herpes.

The amount of medicine you apply and for how long will depend upon your skin condition, where you are treating it, and the strength of medicine your doctor prescribes. More potent topical steroid medicines are typically used for shorter periods of time than less potent ones.

Avoid using wraps, bandages or other occlusive dressings over an area where you have applied a topical steroid unless told to do so by your doctor, as this will increase its potency. Side effects are more likely to occur if the area is covered with an occlusive dressing or with extensive or prolonged use of high strength steroids.

Skin areas that are infected can be usually treated with most dosage forms, if indicated, except ointments, which have greater penetration. Only apply to an infected area if directed by your doctor, as corticosteroids may inhibit healing if the area is infected.

Only use topical steroids on your face, groin, under the breast or axillae (armpit) if directed by your doctor. Your doctor might decide that a low strength product may be prescribed for these areas.

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How do side effects compare between clobetasol and triamcinolone?

Because clobetasol and triamcinolone fall in the same therapeutic category and similar potency, side effects are expected to be similar and include:

• skin irritation, itching, burning, contact dermatitis, skin thinning (atrophy), prominent blood vessels, striae (stretch marks), folliculitis, or changes in skin color
• Cushing's syndrome
• sugar in the urine (glycosuria)
• decline in growth or height (children)
• HPA-axis suppression, adrenal crisis
• high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• skin infections

Side effects are more likely to occur if the area is covered with an occlusive dressing (wrap or bandage) or with extensive or prolonged use of high-strength steroids.

Follow your doctor’s application orders exactly. Strong topical steroids like clobetasol and triamcinolone can be absorbed through the skin and cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a side effect that concerns you.

This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Review the full clobetasol or triamcinolone warnings or side effects and discuss this information with your doctor.

Do clobetasol or triamcinolone have drug interactions?

Most drug interactions with topical corticosteroids are minor, but they can be absorbed into the bloodstream if used in high doses or for a long period of time.

Always have your doctor and pharmacist review any medications you take for drug interactions, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.

If you use multiple topical skin preparations, ask your doctor if they can be applied within a certain time frame.

You can search for potential drug interactions at the Drugs.com Drug Interaction checker.

Are these products expensive?

If paying out-of-pocket, brand name drugs are almost always more expensive than generic drugs. Usually, if your doctor prescribes either of these 2 medicines, you will be able to use a generic product you can get from the pharmacy.

If a generic is available, it is often a lower cost option. Your insurance may prefer generic products and your copays could be higher with brand name drugs.

Clobetasol is available generically in all of its approved topical dosage forms, including: aerosol foam, cream, gel, lotion, ointment, shampoo, and topical spray or solution and which can help to lower the cost of these topical medications.

Triamcinolone is available as a generic topical cream, ointment, lotion, dental paste, and topical spray. Very few brand name products for triamcinolone are on the market in the U.S. anymore, so you will probably receive a generic, which should be more affordable.

Prices will vary, depending upon if you are getting the brand or generic, insurance coverage and copay, your pharmacy location, or if you are paying cash and using an online coupon.

Price Guide: You can view prices and find discount coupons here

• Topical clobetasol Price Guide
• Topical triamcinolone Price Guide

This is not all the information you need to know about topical clobetasol or triamcinolone for safe and effective use and does not replace your doctor's instructions. Always review the full product information and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.