Comprehensive medication guide to Cloderm including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$20–$60 copay for covered patients; Tier 2–3 on most commercial plans. Step therapy prior authorization typically required — patients must first fail two lower-cost topical corticosteroids. Generic clocortolone pivalate is covered at most formulary levels after PA approval.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$350–$450 retail for brand-name Cloderm; as low as $88.73 with a GoodRx coupon for generic clocortolone pivalate at participating pharmacies for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
65/100
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Cloderm is the brand name for clocortolone pivalate 0.1% cream, a mid-potency (Class 4) topical corticosteroid that has been FDA-approved since August 22, 1977. It is used to treat corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses — inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis vulgaris, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Currently distributed by EPI Health, LLC, Cloderm is manufactured by DPT Laboratories.
Cloderm is available as a 0.1% cream in 45g tubes, 90g tubes, and a 75g pump bottle. It is not available in any other formulation (no ointment, gel, or lotion). Generic clocortolone pivalate 0.1% cream is also available from Dr. Reddy's and Prasco Laboratories.
A key distinguishing feature of Cloderm is its specially formulated emollient cream base, which contains no lanolin, propylene glycol, or added fragrance. This makes it a Category C corticosteroid with a notably low risk of allergic contact dermatitis — a preferred choice for patients with sensitive skin or previous reactions to other topical steroid formulations.
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Cloderm works by inducing the production of proteins called lipocortins inside skin cells. Lipocortins inhibit the enzyme phospholipase A2, which prevents the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes. This blocks the downstream production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, histamine, and other inflammatory mediators responsible for the redness, swelling, and itching of inflammatory skin conditions.
Clocortolone pivalate's molecular structure — with halogenation at C-6 (chlorine) and C-9 (fluorine), methylation at C-16, and a pivalate ester group at C-21 — gives it high lipid solubility for rapid skin penetration and a duration of action suited to three-times-daily dosing. The drug is not metabolized in the skin; any systemically absorbed medication is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Cloderm has three key pharmacological properties: anti-inflammatory (reduces the inflammatory cascade), antipruritic (reduces itching driven by inflammatory mediators), and vasoconstrictive (narrows blood vessels to reduce visible redness and decrease influx of inflammatory cells).
0.1% — cream
Applied sparingly to affected areas three times daily. Available in 45g tube, 90g tube, and 75g pump bottle.
As of 2026, Cloderm (clocortolone pivalate) is not on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. The supply chain for both the brand-name product and generic equivalents from Dr. Reddy's and Prasco is intact. However, patients frequently report difficulty filling their prescription because many community pharmacies do not routinely stock it — a consequence of its relatively low prescription volume and high retail cash price ($350–$450 per tube).
Insurance step therapy requirements at major commercial plans add another access barrier: patients may need prior authorization documentation showing failure of two lower-cost alternatives before coverage is approved. Large chain pharmacies can typically order clocortolone pivalate within 1–2 business days. Specialty pharmacies connected to dermatology practices are most likely to keep it in regular stock.
If you're struggling to find Cloderm at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can contact pharmacies in your area to find which ones can fill your prescription — delivering results to you by text.
Because Cloderm is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber in all 50 states without special DEA registration or waiver. A standard prescribing license is all that is required.
Telehealth prescribing is available in most states for Cloderm, since it is not a controlled substance. Teledermatology platforms and general telehealth services (Teladoc, MDLive) can evaluate skin conditions via video or photos and issue prescriptions when appropriate.
No. Cloderm (clocortolone pivalate) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It is a prescription-only medication, meaning it requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, but it does not carry the special handling, storage, prescription restrictions, or prescriber registration requirements associated with Schedule II–V controlled substances.
Cloderm can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber — including dermatologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — in all 50 states. Prescriptions can be refilled as directed by your provider without the 30-day fill restrictions that apply to controlled substances.
The most common adverse events with Cloderm Cream are local reactions at the application site. These are generally mild and infrequent:
With prolonged or excessive use, or application to large body areas, the following serious side effects may occur:
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Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog)
Class 4–5 mid-potency corticosteroid; most widely available and inexpensive alternative. Available in cream, ointment, and lotion.
Mometasone furoate (Elocon)
Class 4–5 mid-potency corticosteroid with once-daily dosing advantage. Widely available generic, often preferred on insurance formularies.
Fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar)
Class 4 mid-potency corticosteroid in cream, ointment, and oil (for scalp). Similar potency class to Cloderm.
Betamethasone valerate (Valisone)
Class 4–5 mid-potency corticosteroid; well-established generic with multiple formulations.
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Other topical corticosteroids
moderateAdditive corticosteroid effect when used concurrently with other topical steroids on different body areas, or with systemic corticosteroids (prednisone, steroid inhalers). Increases risk of HPA axis suppression.
Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, etc.)
moderateTopical corticosteroids may increase blood glucose levels when absorbed systemically. Patients with diabetes using Cloderm on large areas should monitor blood sugar closely.
Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, biologics)
minorAdditive immunosuppression may increase infection risk, particularly fungal skin infections. Not a direct pharmacokinetic interaction.
Cloderm (clocortolone pivalate 0.1% cream) has earned its place as a go-to mid-potency topical corticosteroid for patients with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Its unique emollient formulation without lanolin, propylene glycol, or fragrance gives it a safety and tolerability advantage over many alternatives — particularly for patients with a history of topical steroid contact reactions. With a rapid onset of action (Day 4 in eczema trials) and a strong clinical safety record over more than 45 years of use, it remains a valuable tool in dermatology.
The main barriers to access are availability and cost. While not in a formal FDA shortage as of 2026, Cloderm's niche stocking profile and high retail cash price require proactive navigation. Using generic clocortolone pivalate with a GoodRx coupon (as low as $88.73 at participating pharmacies) dramatically reduces cost. Insurance prior authorizations, when well-documented, can bring copays to $20–$60.
If you're having trouble finding Cloderm at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help. We call pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription and send you the results by text — no hold music, no wasted trips.
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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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