ATC Group: D07AD Corticosteroids, very potent (group IV)

Clobetasol propionate, like other topical corticosteroids, has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. Corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A₂ inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid.

Halcinonide is a topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity is unclear. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.