Halobetasol

ULTRAVATE

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Pronunciation: hal-oe-BAY-ta-sol

Halobetasol ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Halobetasol ballicule

What it isSuperpotent topical corticosteroid; psoriasis and severe dermatoses.

Why this oneAmong the strongest topical steroids, clearing plaques weaker agents cannot.

What limits itSkin atrophy and axis suppression over large areas. Two weeks at a time, off the face and flexures.

Halobetasol molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Halobetasol

FDA-approved for

plaque psoriasis and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

FDA label

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FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses	Adults	Thin layer QD-BID	Thin layer QD-BID	≤50 g/week; limit to 2 weeks

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Apply a thin layer and rub in gently and completely
Limit treatment to 2 weeks; do not exceed 50 g/week
Do not use with occlusive dressings
Discontinue when control achieved; reassess if no improvement in 2 weeks

Available strengths

cream 0.05 %
lotion 0.01, 0.05 %
ointment 0.05 %
foam 0.05 %

Cautions

Super-high potency topical corticosteroid — limit duration and amount
Local reactions: skin atrophy, telangiectasia, striae, hypopigmentation
Systemic HPA-axis effects possible with excessive/prolonged use

Adverse reactions

Stinging or burning
Pustulation, erythema
Skin atrophy, telangiectasia
Leukoderma, acne, itching
Secondary infection, dry skin

Pregnancy Category C; teratogenic in animals; use only if potential benefit justifies risk to fetus

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Halobetasol (ULTRAVATE)

Strength		#/mo	CostPlus
0.05 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.01 %	lotion	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	lotion	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	ointment	per unit	not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Halobetasol is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Generic entry2004

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskSkin atrophy; axis suppression over large areas

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger0 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk1 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityLocal tissue effects and irritation; systemic corticosteroid toxicity is uncommon at usual exposure.

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