Halogenation and topical corticosteroids: a comparison between the 17-butyrate esters of hydrocortisone and clobetasone in ointment bases.
Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate), a halogenated topical steroid, was compared with hydrocortison butyrate 0.1% (Locoid) which does not contain any halogen atoms. In the treatment of eczema there was not difference between the preparations, but in that of psoriasis the halogen-containing steriod was significantly more effective. Under normal circumstances neither preparation had any detectable effect on adrenal function, but with large doses under total-body polythene occlusion, circulating cortisol levels were reduced less by the halogenated than by the non-halogenated preparation. Corticosteroids which contain a halogen atom are often considered to cause more adverse effects than the non-halogenated preparations with similar clinical efficacy. This study shows that this cannot be assumed for their ability to suppress cortisol levels.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004485:Eczema / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001623:Betamethasone; D002990:Clobetasol; D006854:Hydrocortisone