Clobetasol

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A topical synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. Upon topical administration, clobetasol binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and activates GR-mediated gene expression. This results in synthesis of certain anti-inflammatory proteins, while inhibiting the synthesis of certain inflammatory mediators. Specifically, clobetasol induces phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, thereby controlling the release of the inflammatory precursor arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2. This inhibits skin inflammation, and reduces swelling, redness, itching and rashes.

**Synonyms:** - CLOBETASOL