Clobex (clobetasol) is a prescription drug used to treat certain skin conditions. The drug comes as a topical spray, lotion, and shampoo. It’s usually applied to the affected areas of skin once or twice daily.

Depending on the form of Clobex you’re prescribed, the drug is used in adults to treat:

Note: Clobex lotion and spray should not be used to treat rosacea or perioral dermatitis.

The active ingredient in Clobex is clobetasol. Clobex belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids.

This article describes the dosages of Clobex, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Clobex, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Clobex.

What are Clobex’s forms?

Clobex comes in three forms you apply topically (to the outside of your body):

  • shampoo
  • spray
  • lotion

What strength does Clobex come in?

Clobex comes in one strength of 0.05% for all three dosage forms.

What are the usual dosages of Clobex?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, they may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for Clobex shampoo

For scalp psoriasis, Clobex shampoo is typically applied to a dry scalp once daily about 15 minutes before showering. Clobex shampoo should only be used on the scalp. It should be used for the shortest amount of time needed to treat or improve your condition. Using it for longer than 4 weeks in a row is typically not recommended.

The maximum Clobex shampoo dosage for scalp psoriasis is 50 grams (g), 50 milliliters (mL), or 1.75 fluid ounces (fl oz) per week.

Dosage for Clobex spray

For plaque psoriasis, Clobex spray is typically applied to affected areas of skin twice per day. The medication should not be applied on the face, armpits, groin, or areas of fragile skin (thin areas likely to tear or bruise). You should also avoid contact of Clobex spray with your eyes and lips.

Clobex spray should be used for the shortest amount of time needed to treat or improve your condition. Typically, your treatment should last about 2 weeks. In some cases, Clobex spray can be used for 4 weeks. But this is for small areas of moderate to severe psoriasis that do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

The maximum Clobex spray dosage for plaque psoriasis is as follows:

  • 26 sprays with each application
  • 52 sprays each day
  • 50 g (59 mL or 2 fl oz) each week

Dosage for Clobex lotion

For dermatosis and plaque psoriasis, Clobex lotion is applied directly to the affected area twice daily. The lotion should not be applied on the face, armpits, groin, or areas of fragile skin (thin areas likely to tear or bruise). You should also avoid contact of Clobex lotion with your eyes and lips.

Clobex spray should be used for the shortest amount of time needed to treat or improve your condition.

Typically, dermatosis treatment should not last longer than 2 weeks. You can extend your Clobex lotion treatment for plaque psoriasis an additional 2 weeks. But this extension is only for cases where there are small areas of moderate to severe psoriasis that did not improve after 2 weeks of treatment. You should avoid using Clobex lotion for more than 4 weeks in a row to treat plaque psoriasis.

The maximum Clobex lotion dosage for dermatosis and plaque psoriasis is 50 g (50 mL or 1.75 fl oz) each week.

How to use Clobex

Clobex is available as a shampoo, spray, and lotion. It’s applied topically on your affected areas of skin as directed by your doctor.

Clobex should not be applied to the face, armpits, groin, or areas of fragile skin (thin areas likely to tear or bruise). You should also avoid contact of the medication with your eyes and lips. Rinse thoroughly with water any of these areas that come in contact with Clobex.

How you use Clobex depends on the form of the drug you’re prescribed. See below for additional information.

Clobex shampoo is applied directly to your dry scalp once daily. The shampoo should not be used on a wet scalp or anywhere else besides your scalp. Application is typically done 15 minutes before showering. The scalp should not be covered or wrapped, such as with a shower cap, while the shampoo is on the scalp. The manufacturer also provides step-by-step instructions explaining how to use Clobex shampoo.

Both Clobex spray and lotion are applied directly onto the affected area twice daily. It’s best to apply the medication to clean and dry skin. Do not cover or wrap the treated area unless your physician tells you to do so.

It’s important to note that Clobex spray is flammable. Do not use the spray near heat, open flames, or while smoking. Step-by-step instructions on how to use these medications can be found in the prescribing information for Clobex spray and lotion.

Is Clobex used long term?

Clobex is not a long-term treatment. It should only be used for the shortest amount of time needed to treat or improve your condition. The length of treatment varies based on the condition being treated but shouldn’t typically last longer than 2 to 4 weeks.

Do not use more Clobex than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Clobex can be absorbed through your skin. In certain cases, this can lead to hormone changes. Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

Adrenal insufficiency. With this condition, your adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can include feeling tired or having muscle weakness. You may also have nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure.

Cushing syndrome. With this condition, you have too much of the hormone cortisol in your body. Symptoms of Cushing syndrome can include weight gain, thinning of your skin, and tiredness. You may also have high blood pressure.

Increased blood sugar level. Clobex can increase your blood sugar level. The drug may even cause the onset of diabetes in people who already have the condition but aren’t aware of it.

What to do in case you use too much Clobex

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Clobex. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.