RiteMED Clobetasol Special Precautions

No appropriate studies have been carried out to specify possible teratogenicity of topical corticosteroids; mutagenicity studies with other corticosteroids have given negative results.
Patients receiving super-potent corticosteroids should not be treated for more than 2 weeks at a time. This should be carefully evaluated particularly if it is administered on more than 5 to 10% of the body surface or if occlusive dressing is used.
Use in Pregnancy: Safety and efficacy have not been absolutely determined. It should not be applied extensively or in higher quantities or for a prolonged period of time.
Use in Lactation: It is not known whether topically administered corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. Studies in humans have not been reported. On the other hand, systemic corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk where they may cause unwanted effects in the infant such as growth suppression. Topical corticosteroids should not be applied on the breasts of a nursing mother.
Use in Children: Children have larger skin surface area to body weight ratio compared to adults; therefore, children are likely to absorb higher quantities of corticosteroid than older patients.
Absorption is also higher in premature infants than newborn babies due to incomplete development of the stratus corneum. Cushing's syndrome, intracranial hypertension and growth retardation due to systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids have been reported. Caution is needed when topical corticosteroids are applied to children and growing adolescents, especially if there are factors that will increase absorption. In such cases, low-potency corticosteroids are recommended.
Use in the Elderly: No studies on topical corticosteroids have been carried out regarding the geriatric population. Elderly-specific problems are not expected to limit their usefulness. However, there is a tendency to have pre-existing skin atrophy related to age. Skin injuries may be consequently more prevalent in elderly people when using topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids should not be used frequently and only for short periods of time under strict medical supervision.