Ultravate (halobetasol) is a brand-name drug that’s used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and some children. Ultravate comes as a lotion that’s typically applied twice per day.

Ultravate is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

Ultravate belongs to a drug class called corticosteroids. Ultravate is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Ultravate, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Ultravate, see this article.

Note: This article describes the typical dosage for Ultravate provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Ultravate, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Read below for the recommended dosage of Ultravate and other details about the drug.

Ultravate form

Ultravate comes as a topical lotion that you apply to your skin.

Ultravate strength

Ultravate comes in one strength of 0.05% halobetasol propionate in a 60-milliliter (mL) bottle of lotion.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

Your doctor may prescribe Ultravate lotion to treat plaque psoriasis. Ultravate lotion is typically applied to the affected skin twice per day. It shouldn’t be used for longer than 2 weeks.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Children’s dosage

Ultravate is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in children ages 12 years and older.

The dosage of Ultravate for children is the same as the dosage for adults. Ultravate lotion is typically applied to the affected areas of your child’s skin twice per day. It shouldn’t be used for longer than 2 weeks.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

Long-term treatment

Ultravate is used short term for plaque psoriasis. It shouldn’t be used for longer than 2 weeks because of the risk of side effects.

Talk with your doctor if you don’t see improvement after 2 weeks. They may recommend a different medication for you.

The Ultravate dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • how your body responds to Ultravate
  • the severity of the condition you’re using Ultravate to treat

Doctors prescribe Ultravate lotion to treat plaque psoriasis. You’ll apply a thin layer of lotion to the areas of your skin affected by plaque psoriasis and rub it in gently. Typically, you’ll use Ultravate twice per day until your symptoms have improved.

However, Ultravate shouldn’t be used for longer than 2 weeks because of the risk of side effects. You also shouldn’t use more than 50 grams (50 mL) of lotion per week. Talk with your doctor if you don’t see an improvement in your skin after 2 weeks. They may recommend a different medication for you.

Avoid using Ultravate near your eyes or mouth. You should also avoid using the lotion on your face, scalp, groin, and underarms. You shouldn’t cover your skin with bandages or dressings after applying the lotion unless your doctor tells you to. Always wash your hands after using Ultravate.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Ultravate in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Ultravate, try to apply your dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not apply a double dose of lotion to make up for the missed dose.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you don’t use more Ultravate than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Ultravate overdose is rare but can occur. Using too much of the drug or using it for long periods of time can lead to adrenal gland problems, such as Cushing syndrome. Symptoms may include:

  • weight gain, especially in your belly or face
  • easy bruising
  • thinning of your skin
  • high blood sugar

If you use more than the recommended amount of Ultravate

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Ultravate. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Ultravate.

Is the dosage of Ultravate similar to the dosage of clobetasol?

Yes, the forms and how often you use each drug are similar. Ultravate and clobetasol are both topical lotions that are applied to your skin twice per day. Clobetasol also comes as a topical cream, topical ointment, topical gel, topical spray, shampoo, and topical foam.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Ultravate to start working?

Ultravate starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working. Most people will notice an improvement in their symptoms within the first few days. Due to the risk of side effects, it is not recommended to use Ultravate for longer than 2 weeks.

If you don’t notice an improvement in your symptoms after 2 weeks of using Ultravate, talk with your doctor.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Ultravate for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Ultravate without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Ultravate that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Ultravate. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Ultravate: For information about other aspects of Ultravate, refer to this article.
  • Drug comparison: To find out how Ultravate compares with clobetasol or betamethasone, read this article.
  • Details about plaque psoriasis: For details about plaque psoriasis, see our psoriasis hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.