Tenovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) is a high-potency topical corticosteroid formulation indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. It represents a first-line intervention in dermatological practice for conditions where rapid anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antipruritic effects are clinically warranted. Its optimized vehicle system ensures enhanced cutaneous penetration and bioavailability at the site of application, providing targeted therapy with a well-established efficacy and safety profile when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Features

• Contains clobetasol propionate 0.05% as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
• Available in multiple formulations: ointment, cream, gel, lotion, and shampoo to suit various dermatological presentations and body sites.
• Formulated with a penetration-enhancing vehicle for optimal drug delivery to the epidermal and dermal layers.
• Delivers high-potency (Class I super-potent) corticosteroid activity.
• Exhibits potent vasoconstrictive properties, correlating with clinical anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Benefits

• Provides rapid onset of action for the relief of inflammation, erythema, and pruritus.
• Offers high efficacy rates in resolving flare-ups of severe dermatoses, reducing the need for systemic corticosteroids.
• Multiple formulation options allow for tailored treatment based on lesion type (e.g., dry, scaly, hairy, or intertriginous areas).
• Facilitates improved patient quality of life through effective symptom control.
• Supports short-term treatment regimens, minimizing the potential for long-term cutaneous adverse effects when used correctly.
• Cost-effective therapeutic option within the super-potent topical corticosteroid class.

Common use

Tenovate is primarily prescribed for the short-term management of severe, corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions. Its common uses include, but are not limited to, plaque psoriasis (particularly on elbows, knees, and scalp), lichen planus, severe atopic dermatitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and lichen simplex chronicus. It is also used off-label under specialist supervision for conditions like vitiligo (in combination therapy) and alopecia areata. It is not intended for mild conditions, use on the face, groin, or axillae except in very specific, short-term circumstances under close medical guidance, or for prolonged maintenance therapy.

Dosage and direction

Apply a thin film of Tenovate to the affected area(s) twice daily, morning and evening, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Gently rub in until the medication is evenly distributed. The amount needed depends on the area being treated; use the smallest amount necessary to cover the affected skin lightly. Treatment should be limited to two consecutive weeks, and the total weekly dosage should not exceed 50 grams (or 50 mL for the lotion or shampoo). Occlusive dressings may be used for the management of psoriasis or recalcitrant conditions only under the strict supervision of a physician, as they significantly increase systemic absorption and the risk of adverse effects. Wash hands thoroughly after application, unless the hands are the treatment site.

Precautions

• For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.
• Use with extreme caution on intertriginous areas (skin folds) and on the face due to higher absorption and increased risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasia, and steroid-induced rosacea.
• Do not use under occlusive dressings unless explicitly instructed by a healthcare provider.
• Use in children should be limited to the minimal amount required and for the shortest duration possible due to their higher skin surface area to body mass ratio, which increases the risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression.
• Not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Low concentrations of corticosteroids may be excreted in breast milk; caution is advised during nursing. Application to the chest should be avoided prior to breastfeeding.
• Periodic re-evaluation of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan is necessary if no clinical improvement is observed within two weeks.

Contraindications

Tenovate is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clobetasol propionate, other corticosteroids, or any component of the formulation. It is also contraindicated for the treatment of rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and primary cutaneous viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella). It should not be applied to untreated bacterial or fungal skin infections.

Possible side effect

Local adverse reactions are more common and are often related to the potency of the steroid and the duration of use. Systemic absorption can lead to reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.

• Common: Burning, stinging, itching, irritation, and dryness at the application site.
• With prolonged use: Skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia (visible blood vessels), hypopigmentation, hypertrichosis, and folliculitis.
• Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis, miliaria, and secondary infection.
• Systemic effects: HPA axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Drug interaction

Formal topical drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Tenovate. However, because of the potential for systemic absorption, interactions similar to those seen with systemic corticosteroids may occur. Caution should be exercised with concomitant use of other drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) as they may potentially increase the systemic exposure to clobetasol. There are no known interactions with topical agents, but applying multiple products to the same site may alter absorption or cause irritation.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Topically applied Tenovate can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Acute overdose is unlikely but would be characterized by systemic corticosteroid effects. In cases of chronic overdose or misuse, symptomatic HPA axis suppression may occur. This requires gradual withdrawal of therapy and appropriate supportive measures. There is no specific antidote. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.

Storage

Store Tenovate at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F), in a dry place, protected from light and freezing. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product after its expiry date or when it is no longer needed.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The manufacturer and publisher are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any consequences from application of the information in this document.

Reviews

• “As a dermatologist with over 20 years of practice, Tenovate remains a cornerstone in my arsenal for managing severe psoriatic plaques. Its efficacy is unparalleled in its class, providing rapid clearance when other mid-potency steroids fail. The key is strict adherence to the two-week limit to mitigate side effects.” – Dr. E. Vance, MD, Dermatology.
• “I was prescribed Tenovate cream for a severe flare-up of lichen planus on my wrists. The itching and redness subsided significantly within just three days. My doctor was very clear about the instructions to use it sparingly and for no longer than two weeks, which I followed. It was incredibly effective.” – Patient M.C.
• “In our clinical trials unit, we consistently observe the high vasoconstrictive assay scores of clobetasol propionate, which directly translates to its potent clinical anti-inflammatory action. It is a powerful tool, but one that demands respect and careful patient selection and education.” – Clinical Research Scientist.
• “I use the Tenovate shampoo formulation for scalp psoriasis. It’s the only product that has ever given me real relief from the scaling and itching. It can be a bit drying, so I follow up with a moisturizing conditioner as my doctor recommended.” – Patient T.D.