ETRIVEX 0.05% SHAMPOO

Indications

Approved Uses

Topical treatment of moderate scalp psoriasis in adults.

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Moderate scalp psoriasis (adults): apply once daily to dry scalp, leave 15 minutes, then lather and rinse; limit to 4 consecutive weeks and do not exceed 50 mL/week.

Maintenance Dose

Following initial treatment, applications should be spaced out or replaced by an alternative treatment as directed by a physician.

Maximum Dose

50 g (50 ml) per week; maximum treatment duration 4 consecutive weeks

Children's Dosage

Not approved for children under 18 years

Dose Adjustment Notes

No routine hepatic/renal dose adjustment; use the lowest effective amount for the shortest duration, avoid occlusion, and step down (e.g., reduce frequency) once controlled to minimize HPA-axis suppression risk.

How to Take

Apply to DRY scalp once daily: apply a thin layer to affected areas, massage in, leave for 15 minutes (do not cover/occlude), then add water to lather and rinse thoroughly; wash hands after use and avoid contact with eyes/face.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Application-site burning/stinging, pruritus, dryness, erythema/irritation, and folliculitis.

Side Effect Frequency

Common: burning/stinging (4.7%), folliculitis, pruritus, dry skin, acne, irritant dermatitis, alopecia, urticaria, skin atrophy, telangiectasia. Systemic: HPA axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia (dose-related).

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to clobetasol propionate, other corticosteroids, or any excipient; untreated cutaneous/scalp infections; acne vulgaris, rosacea, perioral dermatitis.

Warnings & Precautions

Avoid contact with eyes/mucosa; do not use on face/groin/axillae unless directed; do not use under occlusion; limit duration/area to reduce systemic absorption and HPA suppression; discontinue and treat appropriately if infection develops; stop if significant irritation/sensitization occurs; taper after prolonged use to reduce rebound.

Age Restriction

Not recommended under 18 years.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus

Children

Not approved for children under 18 years

Kidney Impairment

No adjustment needed

Storage & Patient Advice

Stopping the Medicine

Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged or extensive use can cause rebound; taper frequency/strength when stopping after prolonged use (short courses can usually be stopped without taper).

Overdose

Acute topical overdose is unlikely; chronic excessive use can cause HPA axis suppression/hypercortisolism (Cushingoid features, hyperglycemia) and adrenal insufficiency on withdrawal-manage by reducing/discontinuing (often taper if prolonged) and monitoring/supportive care; accidental ingestion warrants medical assessment.

Patient Counseling

Use only on the scalp: apply once daily to dry scalp, leave 15 minutes, then lather and rinse; wash hands after. Avoid eyes/face and do not occlude (no shower cap). Do not use longer than 4 weeks or exceed 50 mL/week without prescriber review. Report irritation, folliculitis/infection, or signs of steroid excess (skin thinning, easy bruising, unusual weight gain/fatigue).

Monitoring Requirements

Reassess response at 4 weeks; monitor for local adverse effects (atrophy, telangiectasia, folliculitis, irritation, secondary infection) and for HPA-axis suppression if high amounts, prolonged use, large surface area, or concomitant steroids are used.

Pharmacology

Duration of Effect

Clinical benefit persists only while used; treatment is limited to a maximum of 4 weeks and relapse may occur after discontinuation.

Half-Life

Unknown / not established for topical clobetasol propionate shampoo (systemic half-life not clinically defined in labeling).

Bioavailability

Percutaneous absorption is variable and generally low with correct use, but increases with inflammation, damaged skin, prolonged use, large area, occlusion, or concomitant steroids.

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Shampoo (topical)

Composition per Dose

Each 1 ml shampoo: 0.5 mg clobetasol propionate (0.05%)

Generic Availability

Yes

Skin Condition

Psoriasis

Steroid Potency

Very Potent

Reviewed by Al Mujtama Pharmacy Medical Review Team. Last reviewed 28-07-2026