Clobetasol propionate is a corticosteroid derived from prednisolone but with a higher specificity for glucocorticoid receptors than mineralocorticoid receptors. It is used to treat corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. By binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, it influences transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kB to block the transcription of COX-2/prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 which reduces the amount of prostanoids being produced from arachidonic acid. Prostanoids such as PGI2 and thromboxane A2 influence the effects of inflammation through vasoconstriction/dilation, pain sensitivity, and platelet aggregation. Clobetasol propionate also affects the promoter of annexin-1, an important inflammatory protein as it affects leukocytes and blocks phospholipase A2 which reduces the amount of arachidonic acid being cleaved from the phospholipid bilayer. Reducing the amount of arachidonic acid formed further decreases the concentrations of prostanoids mentioned calming inflammation. Lower doses of corticosteroids provide an anti-inflammatory effect, while higher doses are immunosuppressive. Clobetasol propionate is administered as a topical cream, foam, aerosol, shampoo, gel, or ointment.

Clobetasol propionate Pathway References