Halobetasol is a very high potency, topical, fluorinated corticosteroid. Halobetasol is used to relieve the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of moderate to severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses and psoriasis. Very high potency topical corticosteroids are used as an alternative to systemic therapy for localized conditions. Long-term or extensive use can lead to systemic side effects, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression. Comparative studies with other very high potency corticosteroids, such as clobetasol or betamethasone dipropionate have shown similar results in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and plaque-type psoriasis. Combination regimens using calcipotriene and halobetasol have been effective for the treatment of psoriasis.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
Route-Specific Administration
Topical Administration
-For topical dermatologic use only. Not for ophthalmic, oral, or vaginal use.
-Avoid contact with the eyes. Halobetasol is not recommended for use on the face, scalp, groin, or in the axillae.
Cream/Ointment/Lotion Formulations
-Restrict application to the active lesions or affected areas and try to avoid normal surrounding skin.
-The amount of cream, lotion, or ointment needed to cover a certain area can be calculated. A 1 gram application of cream covers 100 cm2 of skin. The entire skin surface of the average size adult will be covered by 30 grams of topical steroid cream.
-Do not use cream or ointment with occlusive dressings. The lotion should only be used with occlusion under prescription order.
-Very high potency corticosteroids such as halobetasol are not recommended for use in the diaper area of infants. If halobetasol is medically necessary, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on children, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.
-Apply sparingly in a thin film and rub gently into the affected area. Use gloves if required by universal precautions.
-Wash hands after application. Patients should wash their hands after application unless the product is being used to treat the hands.
Other Topical Formulations
Topical foam
-Prior to first application, remove cap and break the small tab at the base of the actuator; do not break the hinge on the actuator.
-Shake well prior to each use.
-Invert the can and dispense a small amount of the foam into the palm of the hand.
-Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently until foam disappears. Use gloves if required by universal precautions.
-Wash hands after application. Patients should wash their hands after application unless the foam is being used to treat the hands.
-This product is flammable; avoid heat, flame, or smoking during and immediately following application of the foam.
When used as directed for 2 weeks or less, halobetasol topical preparations are usually well tolerated. The following adverse reactions (listed in decreasing order of occurrence) are reported with topical corticosteroids such as halobetasol: skin irritation (including burning 1.6% to 4.4%), and less frequently, side effects such as pruritus, xerosis (dry skin), folliculitis, hypertrichosis, rash, acneiform rash/eruptions, skin hypopigmentation or localized application site discoloration (0.1 to 1%), perioral dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy (1%), striae, telangiectasia (1%), and miliaria. Some dermatologic effects such as skin atrophy and striae occur even with intermittent applications of very high-potency topical corticosteroids and may be permanent with prolonged treatment. Erythema, purpura, and maculopapular rash may also occur. Adverse dermatologic effects are more likely to occur in intertriginous and facial areas and tend to be more severe with fluorinated topical corticosteroids like halobetasol. Halobetasol is generally not to be used with occlusive dressings; the lotion may be used with occlusion if under prescribers order. If irritation develops, discontinue topical corticosteroids and institute appropriate therapy. The anti-inflammatory activity of topical corticosteroids may mask manifestations of infection. In the presence of dermatological infections, institute the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent. If a favorable response does not promptly occur, discontinue the corticosteroid until the infection has been adequately controlled.
Headache (1% or less) and hyperglycemia (1%) have been reported with halobetasol topical use. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression with possible adrenocortical insufficiency after stopping treatment. In some patients, systemic absorption can produce manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and glycosuria. Percutaneous absorption of halobetasol is dependent on many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, duration of use, and use of an occlusive dressing. Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Systemic absorption may be significant if halobetasol is applied to a large surface area or under occlusion; halobetasol is not recommended for use with occlusive dressings. HPA axis suppression and increased intracranial pressure have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include linear growth inhibition, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol concentrations, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure include bulging fontanelles, headache, and bilateral papilledema (i.e., pseudotumor cerebri). Halobetasol is a very high potency corticosteroid, and the risk of HPA axis suppression is greater than with other topical corticosteroids. Patients applying halobetasol to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression (using the ACTH stimulation test and urinary free cortisol test). To minimize the risk of HPA axis suppression, discontinue therapy when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is usually rapid when halobetasol treatment is discontinued.
Case reports describe extensive visual impairment secondary to the onset of ocular hypertension during the use of potent topical corticosteroids to treat eczema of the face. Such adverse effects, if they occur, could lead to blindness. Ocular hypertension, cataracts, and glaucoma have been reported with topical corticosteroid therapy. Care should be taken to avoid the use of highly potent corticosteroids, such as halobetasol, around the eyes. Any patient who develops changes in vision while applying halobetasol topically should be evaluated for ocular hypertension. Low potency corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, dexamethasone) have been reported to be safer for short-term use around the eye area.
In general, excessive use of corticosteroids can lead to impaired wound healing. Halobetasol should not be applied directly on or near healing wounds. A skin ulcer may develop in patients with markedly impaired circulation who use topical corticosteroids.
Allergic contact dermatitis is a less frequently reported reaction with halobetasol. It is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal. Appropriate diagnostic patch testing may help with the diagnosis. Application site dermatitis (1%) has been reported with halobetasol lotion.
Adverse reactions noted in less than 1% of adults treated with halobetasol include herpes zoster, influenza, naso-pharyngitis, acute otitis media, throat infection (pharyngitis), increased blood pressure (hypertension was not reported), and wounds. Paresthesias have also been reported. Upper respiratory tract infection was reported in 2% of patients receiving halobetasol lotion compared to 1% receiving the vehicle lotion.
Signs and symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal may occur with halobetasol dose reduction or discontinuation, and supplemental systemic corticosteroids may be needed. For example, disease flare may occur and HPA axis suppression may be present.
Tolerance may occur with the prolonged use of topical corticosteroids. Tolerance is usually described as a decreased acute vasoconstrictive response to the agent after a period of days to weeks. This may explain the dramatic responses noted initially by patients early in topical corticosteroid treatment and an apparent diminished response with time. Tolerance is reversible and may be attenuated by interrupted or cyclic schedules of application (e.g., halobetasol is given for no more than 2 weeks, followed by an intermission period).
Halobetasol is contraindicated in any patient with a history of hypersensitivity to any ingredients in the preparation; use with caution in patients with a history of severe corticosteroid hypersensitivity reactions to other corticosteroids. Halobetasol cream and ointment should not be used with an occlusive dressing. Do not use the foam or lotion with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician.
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions that increase systemic absorption include the application of very high-potency corticosteroids (such as halobetasol), use over large surface areas, prolonged use, use in areas where the epidermal barrier is disrupted (i.e., skin abrasion), and the use of an occlusive dressing. Patients receiving large doses of a potent topical corticosteroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression using ACTH stimulation, AM plasma cortisol, and urinary free cortisol tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent corticosteroid. HPA axis suppression has been reported in psoriasis patients using 7 grams/day of halobetasol for 1 week of treatment. In one study, 5 out of 20 (25%) adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (involving 20% or more of their body) receiving treatment with Ultravate lotion (mean dose of 3.5 grams applied twice daily for 2 weeks) developed HPA axis suppression. In this study, suppression was defined as serum cortisol concentration less than or equal to 18 mcg/dL 30 minutes after stimulation with cosyntropin. Recovery of HPA axis function was noted upon retest 4 weeks after therapy discontinuation. In another clinical study, 16 adolescent patients (12 to less than 17 years old) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis involving a mean 11.5% (range 10% to 14%) of their body surface area (BSA) applied a mean dose of 3.6 grams of Ultravate lotion twice daily to the affected areas for 2 weeks. Of the 14 subjects evaluated for HPA axis suppression, adrenal suppression occurred in 1 subject (7%) which recovered upon retest 4 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. In a study with 19 adult subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis involving 20% or more of their BSA, an approximate dose of 7 grams of Bryhali lotion was applied once daily for 8 weeks. HPA axis suppression was reported for 1 (5.6%) subject at Week 4 and for 3 (15.8%) subjects at Week 8. All subjects had normal HPA axis suppression test with discontinuation of treatment. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Due to the potential for glucose alterations, halobetasol should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Use halobetasol with caution in children. Administration of halobetasol cream and ointment to pediatric patients 12 years and older should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. The safety and efficacy of halobetasol cream and ointment in neonates, infants, and children less than 12 years of age have not been established, although off-label use has been reported in pediatric patients 5 years and older. The safety and effectiveness of halobetasol 0.01% lotion (Bryhali) in patients younger than 18 years of age have not been established. The safety and effectiveness of halobetasol 0.05% lotion (Ultravate) and halobetasol foam in patients younger than 12 years of age have not been established. Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio, and therefore are more susceptible to developing systemic toxicity, especially with very-high-potency products. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, growth inhibition (linear growth retardation and delayed weight gain), and increased intracranial pressure have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. If children are being treated with topical corticosteroids in the diaper area, tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants should be avoided as these garments may act as an occlusive dressing and increase systemic absorption of the drug.
There are no available data on halobetasol use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Halobetasol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Topical corticosteroids, including halobetasol, should not be used in large amounts, on large areas, or for prolonged periods of time in pregnant women. Guidelines recommend mild to moderate potency agents over potent corticosteroids, which should be used in short durations. Fetal growth restriction and a significantly increased risk of low birth weight have been reported with the use of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids during the third trimester, particularly when using more than 300 grams. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal, oral, and subcutaneous administration in animal studies. Halobetasol has greater potency, and thus greater teratogenic potential, than other topical corticosteroids. After systemic halobetasol propionate administration to pregnant rats and rabbits at doses of 0.04 to 0.1 mg/kg/day and 0.01 mg/kg/day, respectively, increased malformations, such as cleft palate, were observed. Omphalocele was also seen in rats and halobetasol was found to be embryotoxic in rabbits.
It is not known whether topical administration of halobetasol could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Use of low to mid-potency topical corticosteroids is recommended in this patient population. However, most dermatologists stress that topical corticosteroids can be safely used during lactation and breast-feeding. If applied topically, care should be used to ensure the infant will not come into direct contact with the area of application, such as the breast, nipple, and areola. Increased blood pressure has been reported in an infant whose mother applied a high potency topical corticosteroid ointment directly to the nipples. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition.
The normal inflammatory response to local infections can be masked by halobetasol. Application of topical corticosteroids to areas of infection, including tuberculosis of the skin, dermatologic fungal infection, and cutaneous or systemic viral infection (i.e., measles or varicella), should be initiated or continued only if the appropriate antiinfective treatment is instituted. Herpes infection may be transmitted to other sites, including the eye. If the infection does not respond to the antimicrobial therapy, the concurrent use of the topical corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection is controlled. Topical corticosteroids may delay the healing of non-infected wounds, such as venous stasis ulcers.
As with other potent fluorinated topical corticosteroids, halobetasol should not be used to treat acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, or perioral dermatitis. Halobetasol may aggravate these conditions. Halobetasol preparations should not be applied to the face, groin, or axillae. Care should be taken to avoid the use of highly potent corticosteroids, such as halobetasol, around the eyes; ocular exposure should be avoided. Topical corticosteroid therapy may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Visual impairment, ocular hypertension, cataracts, and glaucoma have been reported with topical corticosteroid therapy. Instruct patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.
Topical corticosteroids, including halobetasol, should be used for brief periods or under close medical supervision in patients with evidence of pre-existing skin atrophy. Geriatric patients may be more likely to have preexisting skin atrophy secondary to aging. Purpura and skin lacerations that may raise the skin and subcutaneous tissue from deep fascia may be more likely to occur with the use of topical corticosteroids in geriatric patients. Use halobetasol preparations cautiously in patients with markedly impaired circulation or peripheral vascular disease due to the potential for skin ulcers. Use of lower potency topical corticosteroids also may be necessary in some patients.
The foam formulation of halobetasol is flammable. Avoid use of the foam near a fire or flame, including tobacco smoking, during or immediately after application.
General Dosing considerations for topical use:
Best results are obtained when topical corticosteroids of adequate strength are used for specified lengths of time. With halobetasol, if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Once control of the treated condition has been achieved, halobetasol treatment should be discontinued. Intermittent application of halobetasol may be needed to maintain remission or control of the treated condition. Some authorities recommend cyclic applications (i.e., 2 weeks of halobetasol treatment followed by 1 week of lubrication only) for chronic conditions. The lowest effective maintenance application should be used. Other options include changing to a less potent topical corticosteroid for maintenance and control of inflammation and symptoms.
For the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, localized vitiligo, eczema, phimosis, lichen planus, and localized bullous pemphigoid:
-for the general treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses:
Topical dosage (cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Max: 50 g/week. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis.
Children and Adolescents 12 to 17 years: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Max: 50 g/week. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis.
-for the treatment of atopic dermatitis:
Topical dosage (cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily until symptoms resolve. Max: 50 g/week. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Children and Adolescents 12 to 17 years: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily until symptoms resolve. Max: 50 g/week. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
For the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis:
Topical dosage (cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Max: 50 g/week. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. Treatment beyond 2 weeks is not recommended. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Children* and Adolescents* 5 to 17 years: Apply topically to the affected skin area(s) twice daily. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Topical dosage (Ultravate lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) twice daily. Max: 50 g/week. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. Treatment beyond 2 weeks is not recommended. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Children and Adolescents 12 to 17 years: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) twice daily. Max: 50 g/week. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. Treatment beyond 2 weeks is not recommended. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Topical dosage (Bryhali lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once daily. Max: 50 g/week. Treatment beyond 8 weeks is not recommended. Discontinue therapy if control is achieved before 8 weeks. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Topical dosage (foam):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) twice daily. Max: 50 g/week. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. Treatment beyond 2 weeks is not recommended. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Children and Adolescents 12 to 17 years: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) twice daily. Max: 50 g/week. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. Treatment beyond 2 weeks is not recommended. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassess diagnosis. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
For the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)* (also known as mycosis fungoides*):
Topical dosage (cream or ointment):
Adults and Adolescents 14 years and older: Apply thoroughly and vigorously only to the lesioned skin areas twice daily. One study (n = 79) demonstrated complete remission in 88% of patients (age 14 to 84 years) with patch-stage mycosis fungoides treated with corticosteroids. Treatment was continued of 2 to 3 months before determining efficacy, and was continued for 1 month following clearing. The very high potency compounds studied, including halobetasol, were most effective. Thirteen percent of patients experienced reversible serum cortisol depression, but none had clinical symptoms. One patient discontinued therapy due to skin atrophy.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
-Adults
50 grams/week topically; no more than 2 weeks per treatment cycle for all products except Bryhali lotion, which is no more than 8 weeks per treatment cycle.
-Geriatric
50 grams/week topically; no more than 2 weeks per treatment cycle for all products except Bryhali lotion, which is no more than 8 weeks per treatment cycle.
-Adolescents
50 grams/week topically; no more than 2 weeks per treatment cycle.
-Children
12 years: 50 grams/week topically; no more than 2 weeks per treatment cycle (Ultravate lotion, Lexette topical foam, and halobetasol cream and ointment).
5 to 11 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established; off-label short-term use reported; do not exceed 50 grams/week; use for 2 weeks or less per treatment cycle.
1 to 5 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Infants
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
There are no drug interactions associated with Halobetasol products.
Topical corticosteroids exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. At the cellular level, corticosteroids induce peptides called lipocortins. Lipocortins antagonize phospholipase A2, an enzyme that causes the breakdown of leukocyte lysosomal membranes to release arachidonic acid. This action decreases the subsequent formation and release of endogenous inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes, and the complement system. Early anti-inflammatory effects of topical corticosteroids include the inhibition of macrophage and leukocyte movement and activity in the inflamed area by reversing vascular dilation and permeability. Later inflammatory processes such as capillary production, collagen deposition, keloid (scar) formation also are inhibited by corticosteroids. Clinically, these actions correspond to decreased edema, erythema, pruritus, plaque formation, and scaling of the affected skin.
Halobetasol is administered topically to the skin; a variety of formulations are available for topical use. Once in the systemic circulation, halobetasol is metabolized in the liver, but systemic metabolism has not been fully quantified. Excretion of halobetasol and its metabolites occurs via the urine and bile.
-Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics
Topical Route
The extent of percutaneous absorption of the topical corticosteroids is dependent on many factors, including the vehicle, integrity of the epidermis, and use of occlusive dressing. Absorption after topical application of halobetasol is increased in areas that have skin damage, inflammation, or occlusion, or in areas where the stratum corneum is thin such as the eyelids, genitalia, axillae, and face. The use of occlusive dressings with the application of halobetasol enhances penetration into the skin and may increase the chance of systemic absorption. Ointments have a hydrating effect, are lipophilic, and enhance the penetration of halobetasol into the skin. Anti-inflammatory effects are usually not seen for hours after halobetasol application, since the mechanism of action requires alterations in the synthesis of proteins. Because halobetasol is fluorinated and also contains a substituted 17-hydroxyl group, it is not metabolized in the skin. Repeated application results in a cumulative depot effect in the skin, which may lead to a prolonged duration of action and increased systemic absorption.
-cream and ointment: Human and animal studies indicate that less than 6% of the applied dose of halobetasol propionate enters the circulation within 96 hours following topical administration.
-lotion: The pharmacokinetics of halobetasol lotion (Ultravate) were evaluated in 12 adult patients with plaque psoriasis who applied 3.5 grams of halobetasol lotion (Ultravate) twice daily and all of the patients had detectable plasma concentrations on day 8 of therapy. On Day 8, the mean maximum systemic concentration (Cmax) was 201.1 +/- 157.5 pg/mL, the median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 3 hours (range 0 to 6 hours), and the mean AUC was 1,632 +/- 1,147 pg/hour/mL. In a pharmacokinetic study involving 23 adult subjects with plaque psoriasis who applied 7 grams of halobetasol lotion (Bryhali) over a mean body surface area (BSA) of 27.7 +/- 11.3% once daily for 28 days, steady-state concentrations were achieved by day 14. Only 5 out of 20 subjects had 1 or more quantifiable systemic concentrations of halobetasol propionate on day 14. The mean Cmax on Day 14 was 31.2 +/- 62.2 pg/mL. The mean AUC could not be reliably estimated due to an insufficient number of quantifiable timepoints.
-topical foam: In a study of 23 adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis receiving twice daily halobetasol foam for 14 days (mean dose of 7.4 grams/day), steady-state was achieved by day 14 with a mean Cmax of 199.7 +/- 217.3 pg/mL and a corresponding median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of 1 hour (range 0 to 12 hours); mean AUC was 1,434 +/- 1,310.6 pg/hour/mL.
-Special Populations
Pediatrics
In a pediatric hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression study, the pharmacokinetics of halobetasol lotion was assessed in 14 patients (ages 12 years to less than 17 years) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis affecting a mean body surface area of 11.5% (range 10% to 14%). Trough plasma concentrations of halobetasol propionate were measured on Day 8 and Day 15 in a subset of 14 subjects and were below the quantification limit (20 pg/mL) for all subjects at all time points with the exception of one subject at Day 15 (trough concentration of halobetasol propionate of 28.2 pg/mL). In another HPA axis study in subjects 12 to less than 18 years, trough plasma concentrations of halobetasol foam were measured on Day 8 and Day 15 in 23 subjects following twice daily treatment for 14 days. On Day 8, 9 of the 23 evaluable subjects had morning trough concentrations of halobetasol in plasma that were above the quantifiable limit (20 pg/mL or greater); mean halobetasol concentration was 154.6 +/- 308.67 pg/mL. Similarly, on Day 15, 9 of the 23 evaluable subjects had morning trough concentrations of halobetasol above the quantifiable limit; mean halobetasol concentration was 59.9 +/- 90.15 pg/mL. Of the 9 subjects with quantifiable plasma concentrations at Day 15, 7 also had quantifiable plasma concentrations at Day 8.