PTCE Top 200 · #129

Clobetasol

Dermovate

Clobetasol is the generic name for the brand-name drug Dermovate. It is a topical corticosteroid (super potent) used to treat severe skin inflammation. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Clobetasol ranks #129 and is one of the most frequently tested dermatology medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameClobetasol
Brand name(s)Dermovate
Drug classTopical corticosteroid (super potent)
Class groupDermatology
Common usesevere skin inflammation
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Clobetasol used for?

Short-term treatment of moderate-to-severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (high-potency topical corticosteroid).

What drug class is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol is a Topical corticosteroid (super potent) in the Dermatology group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Clobetasol

Major interactions

Is Clobetasol a controlled substance?

No. Clobetasol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

How to remember Clobetasol (PTCE mnemonic)

DERMO-vate is DERMatology's CLOBBER — clobetasol is super-potent topical steroid. ≤2 weeks, ≤50g/week; skin atrophy, striae, HPA suppression; never on face/folds.
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PTCE exam tip

Clobetasol sits at the TOP of the topical-steroid potency ladder — short courses only and never on the face. Contrast with low-potency hydrocortisone.

Clobetasol FAQ

What is the brand name for Clobetasol?

The brand name for Clobetasol is Dermovate.

What is Clobetasol used for?

Clobetasol is used to treat severe skin inflammation. Short-term treatment of moderate-to-severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (high-potency topical corticosteroid).

What drug class is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol is a Topical corticosteroid (super potent) (Dermatology group).

Is Clobetasol a controlled substance?

No. Clobetasol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the Dermatology group

Drill Clobetasol the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).