Cloderm Side Effects

Generic name: clocortolone topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 5, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Cloderm Side Effects associated with clocortolone topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Cloderm.

Applies to clocortolone topical: topical application cream.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests are needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal or pituitary gland problems. The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor right away if you or your child have blurred vision, darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness or fainting, a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, or unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions, which may occur if you cover the treated skin area or use the medicine for a long time. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have thinning of the skin with easy bruising, reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin areas, acne or pimples, darkening or lightening of skin color, blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, flaking of the skin, or itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, swelling of the skin.

Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas.

This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

Serious side effects of Cloderm

Along with its needed effects, clocortolone topical (the active ingredient contained in Cloderm) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking clocortolone topical:

Other side effects of Cloderm

Some side effects of clocortolone topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to clocortolone topical: topical cream.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were burning, itching, irritation, and dryness.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Intracranial hypertension (including bulging fontanelles, headaches, bilateral papilledema)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, glucosuria^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness^[Ref]

Further information

Cloderm side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer