Pharmacokinetics study about topical clobetasol on oral mucosa

BACKGROUND: Clobetasol is the most potent topical corticosteroid used in oral medicine for muco-cutaneous diseases. Several papers reported about patients with cushingoid appearance, suggesting an adrenal suppression related to clobetasol systemic absorption after local application. Owing to the lack of studies, our goal is to assess whether transmucosal assimilation, after its application on oral mucosa, really occurs and to define clobetasol pharmacokinetics profile. METHODS: Data were recorded by collecting blood samples both on 10 patients in clobetasol therapy and on 14 healthy volunteers instructed about standardized clobetasol applications. A new technique of analytical chemistry was employed to detect its serum concentrations. RESULTS: Clobetasol absorption was ascertained, showing a certain accumulation rate. Different levels have been found in relation to oral disease and individual features (as smoking habits and presence of oral mucosa erosion). CONCLUSIONS: Our study validates clobetasol systemic transmucosal absorption, also recommending a careful monitoring of patients in corticosteroid therapy to avoid local and systemic adverse effects.