Clobex Side Effects

Generic name: clobetasol topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 19, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Clobex Side Effects associated with clobetasol topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Clobex.

Applies to clobetasol topical: topical application cream, topical application emollient cream, topical application foam, topical application gel/jelly, topical application lotion, topical application ointment, topical application shampoo, topical application solution, topical application spray.

Serious side effects of Clobex

Along with its needed effects, clobetasol topical (the active ingredient contained in Clobex) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking clobetasol topical:

More common side effects

• burning or stinging at the application site

Less common side effects

• burning sensation of the skin
• dry skin
• flushing or redness of the skin
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• skin irritation
• skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)

Rare side effects

• thinning, weakness, or wasting away of the skin

Incidence not known

• backache
• blindness
• blurred vision
• burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
• change in vision
• dry mouth
• eye pain
• facial hair growth in females
• fractures
• fruit-like breath odor
• full or round face, neck, or trunk
• hair loss
• headache
• hives
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• irritability
• loss of sexual desire or ability
• menstrual irregularities
• muscle wasting
• nausea
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• stomach pain
• sugar in the urine
• sweating
• tearing
• thinning of the hair
• troubled breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Other side effects of Clobex

Some side effects of clobetasol topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• cough
• sore throat

Less common side effects

• body aches or pain
• changes in skin coloring
• congestion
• dryness of the throat
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
• skin discomfort
• stuffy or runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble swallowing
• voice changes

Incidence not known

• acne or pimples
• burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
• increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
• lightening of normal skin color
• lightening of treated areas of dark skin
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• softening of the skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to clobetasol topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical kit, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical shampoo, topical solution, topical spray.

General adverse events

The most common side effect reported was skin discomfort.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin discomfort, acne/folliculitis, telangiectasia, skin atrophy, dry skin
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Local signs of irritation, pruritus, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Stria, purpura, contact dermatitis, pigmentation changes, pustular eruptions, hypertrichosis, irritant dermatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Erythema, alopecia, pain of skin, skin exfoliation, chapped skin, scaling, induration/papulation,

lichenification, psoriasis (aggravation) plaque elevation, excoriation, rash, hair color changes, skin tightness^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Itching^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Eye stinging/burning
• Postmarketing reports: Eye pain, blurred vision, eye irritation^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Postmarketing reports: Nausea^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, glucosuria^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Does Clobex help hair growth?
• How often can I use Clobex?
• Clobex Spray, Lotion & Shampoo - Which one do I use?
• How effective is clobetasol for hair growth?
• Does clobetasol cause hair loss or growth?
• How long does it take for clobetasol propionate to work?
• Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?
• Halobetasol vs. clobetasol - How do they compare?
• Can clobetasol be used for toenail fungus?

Further information

Clobex side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer