Clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream falls into which potency category?

Clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream falls into which potency category?

• A. Very potent
• B. Mild
• C. Moderate
• D. Potent

Answer: (A)

Topical corticosteroid potency is about how strong the medication is and how likely it is to cause local and systemic effects. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% is one of the strongest topical steroids available, so it’s placed in the very potent category. This high potency explains why it can be very effective for thick, resistant plaques (like certain psoriasis lesions) but also carries a higher risk of adverse effects such as skin thinning, telangiectasia, striae, and potential suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis if used long-term or over large areas. Because of this, it’s used for short courses and targeted areas, with caution on sensitive sites (like the face) and in children.

Topical corticosteroid potency is about how strong the medication is and how likely it is to cause local and systemic effects. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% is one of the strongest topical steroids available, so it’s placed in the very potent category. This high potency explains why it can be very effective for thick, resistant plaques (like certain psoriasis lesions) but also carries a higher risk of adverse effects such as skin thinning, telangiectasia, striae, and potential suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis if used long-term or over large areas. Because of this, it’s used for short courses and targeted areas, with caution on sensitive sites (like the face) and in children.