Halobetasol
Pronunciation: hal-oh-BAY-ta-sol.
- Generic name
- halobetasol propionate
- Drug class
- Topical corticosteroid (super-potent / ultra-high-potency, US Group I)
- Form
- Cream, ointment, or lotion (0.05%), lower-strength lotion (0.01%), or a fixed-dose combination lotion with tazarotene, depending on brand
- Route
- Topical (skin only)
- Legal status
- Prescription-only
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What halobetasol propionate is and how it works
Halobetasol propionate is a super-potent (one of the strongest available) prescription topical corticosteroid used mainly to treat plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition causing thick, scaly, inflamed patches. (1)
Because it is one of the most potent topical steroids available, halobetasol carries a genuine risk of the body absorbing enough through the skin to affect its own hormone (cortisol) system, especially if used for too long, over too large an area, or under a dressing that traps it against the skin. In clinical trials, this kind of hormone-system effect was seen in about 1 in 4 adults and roughly 1 in 14 teenagers tested -- always follow your clinician's instructions on how much to use, how often, for how long, and where on the body.
Mechanism of action: how halobetasol propionate works
Halobetasol propionate is a synthetic, halogenated, super-potent (Group I) corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive activity, acting via glucocorticoid receptor-mediated suppression of inflammatory mediators in the skin; systemic absorption through intact or inflamed skin can activate the same glucocorticoid feedback pathways that regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. (1) (3) (4)
What halobetasol propionate is used for
Plaque psoriasis
Used to relieve inflammation, redness, and scaling from plaque psoriasis in patients 12 years of age and older (adults only for the Duobrii combination product). (1) (3)
Before taking halobetasol propionate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not use halobetasol on the face, scalp, groin, or underarms (axillae) unless your clinician has specifically directed treatment there -- these areas absorb more of the medicine. (United States, Canada) (1)
- Do not use a bandage or dressing over treated skin unless your clinician has specifically told you to. (United States, Canada) (1)
- If using the Duobrii combination lotion (halobetasol with tazarotene), do not use if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy -- the tazarotene component can harm an unborn baby. (United States, Canada) (3)
- Do not use more than the amount and duration your clinician or the product label specifies -- exceeding this raises the risk of hormone-system (HPA axis) suppression and skin thinning. (all countries) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Any skin infection at or near the area you plan to treat.
- Whether you have used a potent topical steroid recently or for a long time, especially on the face or under a dressing.
- Whether you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- If the treatment area is large, or if you plan to use a dressing over the treated skin.
- Any history of skin thinning, cataracts, glaucoma, or previous reactions to topical steroids.
- If you notice blurred vision or other visual changes while using this medicine.
How to take halobetasol propionate
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, as directed by your clinician -- do not use on unaffected skin.
- Rub in gently and wash your hands after applying, unless the hands are the area being treated.
- Do not use a bandage, dressing, or wrap over the treated area unless your clinician has specifically told you to -- this increases how much the skin absorbs.
- Do not use for longer than your clinician recommends, and do not use more than the maximum amount specified for your product -- most halobetasol products specify not longer than 2 consecutive weeks and not more than 50 g (or 50 mL) per week.
- Contact your clinician if the treated area is not improving after 2 weeks, or sooner if it worsens -- do not continue treatment beyond your clinician's specified duration without their guidance.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Missed dose
If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember and continue your regular schedule. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose. Contact your clinician or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Overdose
Halobetasol is applied to the skin, so accidental swallowing or use of a very large amount over a long time should prompt a call to your clinician or a poison-control service, especially if you notice signs of hormone-system disturbance (see serious warnings). (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.
Small, visible blood vessels at the treated area (telangiectasia).
What to notice: Small, visible blood vessels at the treated area (telangiectasia).
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Thinning of the skin at the application site.
What to notice: Thinning of the skin at the application site.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Headache.
What to notice: Headache.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Burning, stinging, itching, irritation, or dryness where applied.
What to notice: Burning, stinging, itching, irritation, or dryness where applied.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Stretch marks (striae) with prolonged use.
What to notice: Stretch marks (striae) with prolonged use.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Serious warnings
Signs of hormone-system (HPA axis/adrenal) suppression — serious
Symptoms: Unusual tiredness, weakness, weight changes, or other signs your clinician may check with a blood or ACTH stimulation test; in clinical trials this was seen in about 1 in 4 adults and roughly 1 in 14 teenagers tested.
Action: Contact your clinician if you have used halobetasol for a long time, over a large area, or under a dressing -- systemic absorption can suppress the body's own cortisol production. Never use for longer than directed or beyond the labelled maximum amount. Your clinician may gradually reduce your use or switch you to a less potent steroid if suppression is found. (1)
Signs of skin thinning or visible blood vessels — high caution
Symptoms: Thin, fragile skin, visible small blood vessels, or stretch marks at the treated area -- some of these changes may not fully reverse.
Action: Contact your clinician for guidance if you notice these changes -- do not restart or increase your steroid use on your own. (1)
Vision changes (possible cataracts or raised eye pressure) — high caution
Symptoms: Blurred vision or other visual disturbances during treatment.
Action: Contact your clinician, who may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) -- potent topical steroids have been linked to a higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma. (1)
Signs of a skin infection developing at the treated site — high caution
Symptoms: New redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or spreading rash at the treated area.
Action: Contact your clinician -- topical steroids can mask or worsen skin infections, and appropriate antimicrobial treatment or a change in therapy may be needed. (1)
Interactions
- Using halobetasol together with other topical steroids, or applying it under an occlusive dressing without your clinician's direction, increases how much is absorbed into the body and raises the risk of the warnings above. (1)
- If using Duobrii (the combination lotion with tazarotene), be aware tazarotene is a retinoid -- avoid combining with other products that increase skin irritation or sun sensitivity unless your clinician advises otherwise. (3)
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
No available data on Ultravate lotion use in pregnant women; animal studies showed teratogenic effects at 3-33 times the human topical dose. Published data suggest an increased risk of low birthweight with using more than 300 g total of a potent/very potent topical corticosteroid during pregnancy. Duobrii (the combination product with tazarotene) is contraindicated in pregnancy because of the tazarotene component. Discuss with your clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Breastfeeding
There is no data on whether halobetasol passes into human milk, though systemic corticosteroids are known to appear in breast milk. Breastfeeding women should not apply halobetasol products directly to the nipple or areola. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Children
Ultravate lotion is approved for patients 12 years of age and older; in clinical trials, HPA-axis suppression was seen in about 1 in 14 adolescents tested. Children and adolescents may be more susceptible to systemic absorption because of a larger skin-surface-area-to-body-mass ratio. Duobrii (the combination product) is approved for adults only. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment based on age alone is described in the sources reviewed, but older adults with thinner skin may be more prone to skin-related side effects. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Hepatic_impairment
No specific guidance found in the sources reviewed for this dossier. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Renal_impairment
No specific guidance found in the sources reviewed for this dossier. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Source_ids
US-DAILYMED-ULTRAVATE-LOTION-2026,US-DAILYMED-DUOBRII-2026 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirm the diagnosis is a corticosteroid-responsive condition such as plaque psoriasis, not an infection
- Assess treatment area size and any need for a dressing
During treatment
- Periodic evaluation for HPA-axis suppression if using a large amount, over a large area, for a long time, or under a dressing, per the US label -- an ACTH stimulation test may be used.
- Watch for skin thinning, stretch marks, or visible blood vessels with prolonged use.
- Watch for visual changes that could indicate cataracts or raised eye pressure.
- Watch for signs of a new skin infection at the treated site.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, out of reach of children, following the exact instructions on your product's label.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the current US FDA Ultravate/Bryhali/Duobrii prescribing information and Health Canada's Ultravate/Duobrii product monographs; verify against the current full label for the specific product and formulation before prescribing.
United States
Indication: Plaque psoriasis
Dose summary: Ultravate 0.05% cream/ointment/lotion: thin layer twice daily; not beyond 2 consecutive weeks; total dosage not to exceed 50 g (or 50 mL)/week. Bryhali 0.01% lotion: once daily. Duobrii 0.01%/0.045% combination lotion: once daily; not to exceed ~50 g/week.
Renal context: No specific renal dosing guidance identified in the sources reviewed. (1) (2) (3)
Canada
Indication: Plaque psoriasis and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses
Dose summary: Ultravate 0.05% cream/ointment and 0.01% lotion, and Duobrii combination lotion, per current Health Canada product monographs -- dosing and maximum-duration/quantity guidance consistent in substance with the US label.
Renal context: No specific renal dosing guidance identified in the sources reviewed. (4)
Hepatic guidance
No specific hepatic dosing guidance identified in the sources reviewed.
Overdose note
Topical overdose is managed by discontinuation and monitoring for signs of HPA-axis suppression; no specific antidote described in the sources reviewed. (1) (3) (4)
Frequently asked questions
Is halobetasol available in the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?
It is authorised and marketed in the United States (as Ultravate, Bryhali, and Duobrii) and Canada (Ultravate, Duobrii). A live, direct search of the UK's official emc medicines database and Australia's TGA Product Information & Consumer Medicine Information repository both returned zero results for halobetasol, indicating it is not currently marketed in either country -- super-potent topical steroid needs there appear to be served instead by products such as clobetasol propionate. Availability in the wider European Union and in New Zealand could not be confirmed from any live source at the time of writing. (1) (4) (5) (6)
How long can I use halobetasol for?
Follow your clinician's instructions exactly. Most halobetasol labels advise against use beyond 2 consecutive weeks and against using more than 50 g (or 50 mL) in a week, because longer or heavier use raises the risk of the body absorbing enough steroid to affect its own hormone system -- in clinical trials this happened in roughly 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 14 teenagers tested. (1)
Are Ultravate and Bryhali the same strength?
No. Ultravate cream/ointment/lotion is 0.05% halobetasol propionate, while Bryhali lotion is a separate, lower-strength 0.01% formulation -- five times less concentrated. Always check which specific product and strength you have been prescribed. (2)
Why shouldn't I cover the treated area with a bandage?
Covering (occluding) the treated skin, or using it on very large areas, increases how much of the steroid is absorbed into the body, which raises the risk of hormone-system suppression and skin thinning. Only do this if your clinician has specifically instructed you to. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of halobetasol propionate?
Halobetasol propionate is a synthetic, halogenated, super-potent (Group I) corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive activity, acting via glucocorticoid receptor-mediated suppression of inflammatory mediators in the skin; systemic absorption through intact or inflamed skin can activate the same glucocorticoid feedback pathways that regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. (1) (3) (4)
References
- ULTRAVATE (halobetasol propionate) lotion, 0.05% -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information · United States · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 1
- BRYHALI (halobetasol propionate) lotion, 0.01% -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information · United States · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 2
- DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045%) lotion -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information · United States · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 3
- ULTRAVATE (halobetasol propionate) cream/ointment 0.05% and lotion 0.01% -- Product Monograph including Patient Medication InformationHealth Canada product monograph register (pdf.hres.ca) -- Bausch Health Canada Inc. · Canada · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 4
- emc search for 'halobetasol' -- zero resultselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- official UK licensed-medicines search · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 5
- TGA PI & CMI repository search for 'halobetasol' -- zero resultsTherapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia -- official Product Information & Consumer Medicine Information (PI & CMI) repository · Australia · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient halobetasol propionate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- LEXETTE.5 mg/g · mayne pharma
- Bryhali.1 mg/g · bausch health us, llc
- ULTRAVATE.5 mg/g · lacer pharma, llc
Canada
- ULTRAVATE