Comparison of clobetasol propionate and betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate with reference to adrenal suppression

32 adult hospitalized patients with common skin disorders were controlled in a double-blind comparison study with clobetasol propionate (Dermovat) and betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate (Diproderm) with regard to adrenal suppression. The latter, when assessed by plasma cortisol, was significantly greater in the dermovat-treated groups after the 1st and 2nd week with daily treatment with both 25 g and 15 g ointment. Daily treatment of skin areas greater than 25% with 25 g Diproderm also showed clear adrenal suppression, whereas no such effect was obtained with daily treatment with 10 g Diproderm of skin areas greater than 15%. In all cases, plasma cortisol levels were normal 1--2 weeks after the end of topical treatment.