clocortolone pivalate
Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical corticosteroid (or steroid) that's used to treat many types of skin problems that cause itchiness and inflammation (swelling and redness). This medication comes as a cream that's applied to the skin three times per day. Side effects aren't common but can include a burning sensation, dry skin, and skin irritation where the cream is applied.
What is Clocortolone (Cloderm)?
What is Clocortolone (Cloderm) used for?
- Inflammatory skin conditions
How Clocortolone (Cloderm) works
Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical corticosteroid, or a topical steroid. It lowers the amount of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation in your skin. This helps relieve symptoms like redness and swelling on the skin and itchy skin.
Drug facts
Side effects of Clocortolone (Cloderm)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.
Less Common Side Effects
- Burning sensation
- Dry skin
- Itchy skin
- Skin irritation
The following Clocortolone (Cloderm) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
- Fragile or thinning skin that bruises easily
- Skin infection—skin redness, swelling, warmth, or pain
- Small, red, pus-filled bumps on skin around hair follicles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Unexpected hair growth at application site
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Pros and cons of Clocortolone (Cloderm)
Pros
- A cream that's easy to apply
- Treats many different skin conditions
- Safe to use short term for children
- Few side effects
Cons
- Need to apply three times daily, which is more often than similar steroid medications
- Risk of skin thinning with long-term use
- Might not work well for severe skin conditions
Pharmacist tips for Clocortolone (Cloderm)
- Wash your hands well before and after you apply clocortolone (Cloderm) to your skin. This helps prevent the medication from accidentally getting in your eyes. Rinse your eye well with water for at least 15 minutes if you get the cream in your eye.
- Apply clocortolone (Cloderm) as a thin layer to the affected area(s) of skin and rub it in gently. Avoid applying the cream near your eyes. Also avoid putting the cream on cuts or scrapes to lower the risk of the medication getting into your body and causing serious side effects.
- Use the least amount of clocortolone (Cloderm) possible for the shortest amount of time to treat your skin condition. This helps avoid side effects, such as skin thinning and skin irritation. Only use clocortolone (Cloderm) as prescribed.
- Don't place bandages or dressings over the areas where you applied clocortolone (Cloderm) unless your prescriber says it's okay. Covering the treated area with tight bandages or dressings can cause more medication to get absorbed into your body than intended; this can raise your risk of side effects like skin irritation.
- For babies and small children who need clocortolone (Cloderm) to treat the skin in the diaper area, parents should avoid having them wear diapers or plastic pants that are too tight. This can cover the medicated area too tightly, which can cause more medication to get absorbed through the skin and lead to more side effects.
- Don't use other topical steroids while you're using clocortolone (Cloderm) unless your prescriber said it's safe for you. Applying more than one topical steroid can raise your risk for side effects like skin redness and skin irritation.
- If you have a skin infection that's causing inflammation, you might be prescribed an additional medication alongside clocortolone (Cloderm) to help treat the skin infection. Let your HCP know if you notice worsening redness, pain, or swelling or any pus where you're applying clocortolone (Cloderm). You might have to stop using clocortolone (Cloderm) until your skin infection gets treated.
- Tell your healthcare professional if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss the risks and benefits of using clocortolone (Cloderm) with your healthcare professional.
Common questions about Clocortolone (Cloderm)
Yes, clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical steroid that's used to lessen symptoms of skin inflammation, such as redness, itching, and swelling. Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a medium-potency topical steroid; potency is another way to describe how strong clocortolone (Cloderm) is compared to other topical steroids.
No, clocortolone (Cloderm) isn't available over the counter. It's only available by prescription from a healthcare professional. The only topical steroids that you can buy over the counter are hydrocortisone 0.5% and 1%, but they aren't as strong as clocortolone (Cloderm).
It's not exactly clear how long it takes for clocortolone (Cloderm) to work to relieve your symptoms. But it'll probably depend on what skin condition you have and how severe it is. For example, people who used clocortolone (Cloderm) to treat eczema saw an improvement in their skin symptoms within 4 days of starting treatment during clinical studies. Follow up with your prescriber about whether clocortolone (Cloderm) seems to be improving your skin condition.
Yes, you can use clocortolone (Cloderm) on the face if your prescriber specifically instructed you to do so to treat your skin condition. Just make sure to avoid getting the medication near or in your eyes. Studies showed that clocortolone (Cloderm) is well tolerated and also works well for skin inflammation on the face.
No, clocortolone (Cloderm) doesn't treat a yeast infection. Although clocortolone (Cloderm) can help relieve inflammation from a skin yeast infection, it doesn't directly fight against the yeast. Don't apply clocortolone (Cloderm) into the vagina to treat a vaginal yeast infection.
Yes, clocortolone (Cloderm) can expire. Look for the expiration date that's printed on the box that the medication comes in or on the bottle or tube of cream. Don't use clocortolone (Cloderm) past the expiration date because it might not work as well to treat your skin condition.
No, clocortolone (Cloderm) and clobetasol aren't the same. They're both topical steroids, but clobetasol is more potent (or stronger) than clocortolone (Cloderm). Because of this, clobetasol is typically used for more severe skin conditions. Clobetasol is also available in many forms, such as a lotion, gel, cream, ointment, and shampoo. On the other hand, clocortolone (Cloderm) is only available as a cream. Speak with a healthcare professional to learn more about comparing the two medications.
Both clocortolone (Cloderm) and hydrocortisone are topical steroids that are used to treat inflammation and itching from many skin conditions. Clocortolone (Cloderm) just comes as a cream, but there are many forms of hydrocortisone available, such as a lotion, topical solution, cream, and ointment. Some forms of hydrocortisone are the least potent among the topical steroids, and other forms of hydrocortisone are considered to have "medium" potency. Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical steroid with "medium" potency. Potency is a way to describe how strong the topical steroid is compared to the others. In addition, some forms of hydrocortisone are available over the counter but clocortolone (Cloderm) is only available by prescription. Speak with a healthcare professional to help you compare between clocortolone (Cloderm) and hydrocortisone.
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Risks and warnings for Clocortolone (Cloderm)
Clocortolone (Cloderm) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Altered stress hormone levels
- Risk factors: Applying clocortolone (Cloderm) to large areas of the body | Applying clocortolone (Cloderm) for a long time | Applying more than one topical steroid onto the skin | Covering the medicated area | Applying onto damaged skin | Young children
It's possible for your body to absorb too much clocortolone (Cloderm) through the skin in certain situations. This includes applying the medication to larger areas of skin over longer periods of time and covering the treated area with tight bandages.
Having too much clocortolone (Cloderm) in your body can causes changes in your stress hormone levels (e.g., cortisol levels), which can affect many bodily functions. This can lead to symptoms, such as tiredness, nausea, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually go away after you stop using the medication, but you might need additional treatment if it's severe. And very rarely, more serious problems related to having too much medication in the body can include having higher blood sugar levels and, in children, possibly delayed growth.
Apply clocortolone (Cloderm) only as directed. Don't apply too much medication and don't use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also don't cover the medicated area with bandages or dressings unless your prescriber tells you to. If your prescriber thinks that clocortolone (Cloderm) is affecting your body's hormone production, they might recommend that you apply it less often or switch you to a different medication.
Clocortolone (Cloderm) dosage
Typical dosage for Clocortolone (Cloderm)
Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) of your skin three times a day. Gently rub the cream into the skin.
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