Comprehensive medication guide to Clobex including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$50 copay for generic clobetasol propionate on covered plans (Tier 1–2 on some commercial plans); brand Clobex is not covered by most Medicare Part D or commercial insurance plans. Prior authorization may be required for some formulations.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Generic clobetasol propionate cream (60 g) averages ~$226 retail without insurance; as low as $23 with a GoodRx coupon. Brand Clobex spray (59 mL) costs approximately $461 without insurance.
Medfinder Findability Score
45/100
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Clobex is the brand name for clobetasol propionate 0.05%, a super-potent (Class I) topical corticosteroid manufactured by Galderma Laboratories. It is the most powerful category of topical steroid available in the United States. Clobex is available as a shampoo, lotion, and spray — all containing the same active ingredient at the same 0.05% concentration.
Clobex Shampoo is FDA-approved for moderate to severe scalp psoriasis in adults 18 and older. The lotion and spray formulations are approved for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Generic versions of clobetasol propionate are widely available and bioequivalent to brand-name Clobex.
Clobetasol propionate was first approved by the FDA in 1985. Other brand names for clobetasol propionate include Temovate, Olux (foam), Cormax, Clodan, and Embeline. It is prescribed primarily by dermatologists, but PCPs, NPs, and PAs can also prescribe it.
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When applied to the skin, clobetasol propionate penetrates the skin barrier and binds to glucocorticoid receptors inside skin cells. This triggers production of proteins called lipocortins, which block the enzyme phospholipase A2. This enzyme is responsible for releasing arachidonic acid — the precursor to inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes that cause redness, swelling, and itching.
Clobex has three key pharmacological actions: anti-inflammatory (reduces immune-driven skin inflammation), antipruritic (relieves itching), and vasoconstrictive (narrows blood vessels near the skin surface, reducing redness). It also slows abnormal skin cell proliferation — in psoriasis, skin cells multiply 10 times faster than normal, and clobetasol helps normalize this.
Clinical trials demonstrate that clobetasol propionate 0.05% achieves 68% clear or almost-clear status in patients at 2 weeks of treatment, compared to 21% with a vehicle-only control. Maximum benefit is typically seen after the full treatment course. Clobex does not cure psoriasis or eczema but effectively controls acute flares.
0.05% — shampoo
Clobex Shampoo — apply to dry scalp once daily, leave 15 min, max 4 weeks, not to exceed 50 mL/week. Adults 18+ only.
0.05% — spray
Clobex Spray — apply to affected area twice daily, max 2 weeks, not to exceed 50 g/week. Flammable — keep away from flames.
0.05% — lotion
Clobex Lotion — apply thin layer to affected areas once or twice daily, max 2 weeks, not to exceed 50 g/week.
0.05% — cream (generic)
Generic clobetasol propionate cream — apply thin layer to affected areas twice daily, max 2 weeks for most conditions.
0.05% — ointment (generic)
Generic clobetasol propionate ointment — apply thin layer to affected areas twice daily; currently most affected by supply disruptions.
Clobex availability in 2026 is inconsistent across formulations and regions. The clobetasol propionate ointment has been most affected by supply disruptions, with at least one manufacturer exiting the market. Brand-name Clobex shampoo and spray show variable availability — present at some pharmacies but absent at others, even within the same chain. Generic clobetasol propionate cream is generally the most consistently stocked formulation.
The root causes include manufacturer consolidation in the generic topical steroid market, thin profit margins that make production economically marginal for some manufacturers, and fragmented regional distribution. Patients may find the medication at one pharmacy but not another, even on the same street.
If you're struggling to find Clobex, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones currently have it in stock — saving you the time and frustration of calling pharmacies yourself. Results are texted directly to you.
Clobex (clobetasol propionate) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance, so it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber without special DEA registration or controlled substance prescribing authority. A standard prescription from any qualified provider is sufficient.
Dermatologists: Primary prescribers; specialize in skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, and other dermatoses
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs): Family doctors and internists commonly prescribe for established patients
Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Full prescribing authority in most U.S. states for non-controlled medications
Physician Assistants (PAs): Prescribing authority in most U.S. states
Allergists/Immunologists: May prescribe for inflammatory skin conditions with allergic components
Telehealth is a viable option for getting a Clobex prescription, especially for patients with an established diagnosis seeking a renewal. Teledermatology platforms (such as DermTech, Curology, and general platforms like Teladoc) can connect patients with licensed providers who can prescribe clobetasol propionate without an in-person visit.
No. Clobex (clobetasol propionate) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a prescription-only medication, meaning it requires a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, but it does not carry the special dispensing restrictions, DEA registration requirements, or refill limitations associated with controlled substances (like opioids or benzodiazepines).
Any licensed prescriber — MD, DO, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant — can write a prescription for Clobex without special DEA authorization. Pharmacies can dispense it without special logging or quantity limits. However, it is prescription-only due to its potency and the need for proper medical supervision to avoid serious side effects like HPA axis suppression.
Burning or stinging at the application site
Pruritus (itching)
Dryness and skin irritation
Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)
Acneiform eruptions
Skin atrophy (thinning) with prolonged use
Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin color)
Telangiectasia (visible small blood vessels)
Alopecia (hair loss) — reported with shampoo use
HPA axis suppression: 5 of 12 adolescents developed suppression after 4 weeks of shampoo use in clinical trials. Risk increases with large surface areas and prolonged use.
Cushing's syndrome: Weight gain, easy bruising, muscle weakness from excess cortisol. Rare with proper use.
Allergic contact dermatitis: May present as failure to heal rather than obvious allergy symptoms.
Striae (stretch marks): May be irreversible with prolonged use.
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Halobetasol Propionate (Ultravate)
Class I super-potent topical corticosteroid; most direct alternative to Clobex. Clinical trials show 89-93% comparable success rates. Generic widely available.
Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate (Diprolene)
Class I super-potent corticosteroid in augmented formulation. Available as gel or ointment. Limited to 2 weeks of use.
Fluocinonide (Vanos)
Class II high-potency topical corticosteroid. Widely available generic. One step down in potency but effective for moderate disease.
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)
Non-steroidal vitamin D analog for plaque psoriasis. Can be used alone or combined with corticosteroids. Useful for long-term steroid-sparing maintenance.
Desoximetasone (Topicort)
Class II high-potency topical corticosteroid. 68% improvement vs. 23% vehicle in 3-week eczema studies. Available in cream, ointment, and gel.
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Ritonavir (HIV antiretroviral)
majorPotent CYP3A4 inhibitor; increases systemic clobetasol exposure significantly, raising risk of adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome even at low topical doses.
Itraconazole/Ketoconazole (antifungals)
moderateStrong CYP3A4 inhibitors; may slow metabolism of absorbed clobetasol, increasing systemic levels and corticosteroid effects.
Other topical or systemic corticosteroids
moderateAdditive HPA axis suppression risk when combined with other topical, inhaled, or oral corticosteroids.
Diabetes medications
moderateSystemic absorption of clobetasol can raise blood sugar, potentially requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetic medications.
Aldesleukin (IL-2 cancer therapy)
moderateCorticosteroids may reduce efficacy of aldesleukin immunotherapy.
Clobex (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) is one of the most effective topical medications available for severe psoriasis and other corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions. As a Class I super-potent steroid, it delivers rapid and significant relief for acute flares — but its potency also requires careful use, with strict limits on duration (2-4 weeks maximum) and body areas to avoid.
In 2026, supply availability for Clobex remains inconsistent — particularly for the ointment formulation. Patients should plan ahead, check multiple pharmacies, and ask their dermatologist about using generic clobetasol propionate if brand-name Clobex is unavailable. Cost can also be a barrier: generic clobetasol with GoodRx can be as low as $9-23, making it accessible even without insurance coverage.
If you're having trouble finding Clobex in stock, medfinder can search pharmacies near you to find which ones currently have it available. This service calls pharmacies directly and texts you results — eliminating the frustration of calling around yourself.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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