The dilution of proprietary corticosteroid ointments – an attempt to evaluate relative clinical potencies

Abstract

Ten subjects were assessed using the vasoconstrictor assay technique in a double-blind study in order to evaluate the potencies of several diluted and undiluted proprietary corticosteroid ointments. Results showed that clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Dermovate®) ointment at a dilution of one part in ten (clobetasol propionate 0.005%) in white soft paraffin was equipotent with betamethasone valerate 0.1 % (Betnovate®) ointment; and no difference in potency was demonstrated between beclomethasone dipropionate 0.025% (Propaderm®), betamethasone valerate 0.1% (Betnovate®) and clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate®).