Calcipotriol, a synthetic vitamin D analog, has transformed psoriasis care by targeting the root cause of the condition: excessive skin cell proliferation. As a topical therapy, it effectively reduces the rapid turnover of skin cells, alleviating symptoms like scaling, redness, and plaque buildup.
With robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and minimal risk of systemic side effects, it is a first-line treatment for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, offering relief to millions worldwide.
What is Calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin D3 designed to mimic the hormone's beneficial effects on skin cell regulation without triggering excessive calcium absorption. It belongs to the anti-psoriatic drug class and works by slowing keratinocyte overproduction, a hallmark of psoriasis.
Available in ointment, cream, lotion, and scalp solution forms, its diverse formulations allow targeted treatment for plaques on elbows, knees, scalp, and other affected areas.
What is calcipotriol used for?
Calcipotriol offers significant benefits for people with psoriasis by effectively reducing the scaling, thickness, and inflammation associated with psoriatic plaques. Studies show that it is moderately to very effective for approximately 80% of patients.
Conditions Calcipotriol Treats
Primary Uses:
Treats plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis
Effective for psoriasis on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back
Reduces plaques that can vary in size and itchiness
Aims to eliminate these plaques quickly
Calcipotriol ointment is particularly effective for thick, scaly plaques, while the cream formulation is often preferred for its better tolerability.
Secondary Uses of Calcipotriol
Beyond its primary indication for plaque psoriasis, Calcipotriol may be used in combination with other treatments to enhance effectiveness. Calcipotriol and betamethasone ointment combinations have shown superior results compared to monotherapy.
How Does Calcipotriol Work?
Calcipotriol works by targeting the root mechanisms involved in psoriasis. It is a synthetic vitamin D₃ analog that binds to vitamin D receptors (VDR) on skin and immune cells.
Upon binding, it forms a complex with the retinoid X receptor-α (RXR), which then regulates gene transcription-either activating or inhibiting it. This action leads to:
Reduced proliferation of keratinocytes, the cells responsible for skin thickening in psoriasis
Normalization of keratinocyte differentiation, helping restore a more natural skin structure
Restoration of the granular layer, which is often lost in psoriatic plaques
Modulation of immune responses, particularly by reducing CD8+ T cells and IL-17-producing T cells, which are key drivers of psoriasis-related inflammation
Importantly, calcipotriol has a similar affinity to natural vitamin D for its receptor but exhibits less than 1% of the activity in calcium metabolism, minimizing the risk of hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriol Dosage
Proper dosing is essential for optimal results while minimising side effects. The dosage varies depending on the formulation and area being treated.
Typical dosage instructions (as per doctor's advice):
Formulation
Recommended Dosage
Usage Instructions
Ointment / Cream (0.005%)
Once daily (occasionally twice daily if advised)
Apply a thin layer to affected areas, preferably in the evening. Commonly used for body and limb plaques.
Scalp Solution (50 µg/g)
Once daily (evening)
Apply to dry scalp and spread evenly. Do not wash hair immediately after application.
Foam (0.005%)
Once daily
Spray onto psoriasis plaques and gently rub in. Suitable for both scalp and body lesions.
Maximum Weekly Limit
Do not exceed 100 grams/week
Higher doses increase the risk of systemic absorption and side effects such as hypercalcemia.
General Application Advice
As directed by your doctor
Wash hands after use unless treating the hands. Avoid occlusive dressings and application to broken or infected skin.
Use in Children
Specialist advice only
Not routinely recommended; safety and efficacy in pediatric patients are not well established.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip if nearing the next scheduled dose. Do not double up on doses.
What Happens if an Overdose?
Vitamin D overdose can be severe and may lead to hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels in blood).
Most people tolerate Calcipotriol well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The ointment formulation tends to cause more side effects than the cream, though it's often more effective.
Users should consult a doctor if any symptoms worsen or if they experience serious side effects. Most skin irritation is temporary and can be managed with unperfumed moisturisers.
Precautions and Warnings
Understanding who should avoid this medicine and when caution is needed is crucial for safe use. Before using Calcipotriol, discuss any allergies to the medication or related substances with your healthcare provider.
Who should avoid this medicine:
People with known hypersensitivity to Calcipotriol
Individuals with hypercalcemia (high calcium levels)
Skin folds application (increased risk of side effects)
Large area applications (risk of systemic absorption)
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy:
Topical treatments are generally safe, but avoid prolonged use of salicylic acid, Calcipotriol, topical steroids, or calcineurin inhibitors. UVB phototherapy is safer for severe psoriasis during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding:
Avoid applying ointment during breastfeeding.
Long-term use or application to large areas of skin should be discussed with your doctor while breastfeeding.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol ointment and cream are approved for the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in adults older than 18 years. Use in children requires careful medical supervision.
Alcohol or food interactions:
No significant food interactions reported
Alcohol doesn't directly interact with topical Calcipotriol
However, alcohol may worsen psoriasis symptoms
Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)
Calcipotriol can interact with other topical treatments and medications, affecting their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Understanding these interactions helps ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
Key drug interactions:
Salicylic acid: Deactivates Calcipotriol and should not be applied simultaneously
Topical steroids: Calcipotriol may reduce the skin thinning effects when used together
UV radiation therapy: Can be used together, but requires medical supervision
Possible impact when combined with supplements, herbal products:
Vitamin D supplements may increasethe risk of hypercalcemia
No, Calcipotriol is not a steroid. It's a synthetic vitamin D derivative, which works differently from corticosteroids. However, it's often combined with steroids like betamethasone for enhanced effectiveness.
How Should Calcipotriol Be Stored?
Proper storage ensures the effectiveness and safety of medication. Different formulations have specific storage requirements that must be strictly adhered to.
General storage guidelines: Store at room temperature (68°F to 77°F / 20°C to 25°C), protect from heat, light, and moisture, and keep out of children's reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
Recommended Storage Temperature for Calcipotriol
Room temperature storage 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
Do not refrigerate or freeze any formulation
Calcipotriol lotion and foam formulations are flammable - keep away from heat sources
Store in original packaging to protect from light
What Happens If Calcipotriol Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage can reduce the effectiveness of medication and potentially create safety hazards. Heat exposure can degrade the active ingredient, while freezing can alter the formulation's consistency. Calcipotriol and Clobetasol propionate ointment combinations are particularly sensitive to temperature extremes.
Storage safety tips:
Keep away from children, sunlight, and moisture
Foam formulations expire 6 months after opening
Never puncture foam canisters or expose them to extreme heat
Dispose of expired medication according to local regulations
Calcipotriol represents a significant advancement in psoriasis treatment, offering effective symptom control with a favourable safety profile. When used correctly under medical supervision, it can dramatically improve the quality of life for people living with psoriasis. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and report any concerning side effects promptly.
Calcipotriol vs Alfacalcidol
Calcipotriol
Alfacalcidol
Calcipotriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D classified as an anti-psoriatic drug. It slows down the overproduction of skin cells, helping to manage plaque psoriasis.
Alfacalcidol is an active vitamin D analogue that helps regulate calcium levels and bone metabolism. It is commonly used in various calcium deficiency-related disorders.
Used primarily for treating plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches due to excess skin cell buildup.
Used as a vitamin D supplement in conditions such as hypocalcemia, rickets, osteomalacia, and chronic kidney disease with impaired vitamin D metabolism.
Calcipotriol Scalp Solution is used to treat scalp psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly, and itchy patches on the scalp. It helps reduce the excessive growth of skin cells and inflammation associated with psoriasis. The solution is applied once daily to the affected scalp areas and is effective in managing symptoms such as flaking, redness, and irritation.
Calcipotriol Ointment is primarily used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the body and limbs. It works by slowing down the rapid production of skin cells that leads to scaling and thickening of the skin. The ointment is applied once or twice daily to the affected areas, helping to reduce redness, scaling, and discomfort associated with psoriasis.
Calcipotriol is not a steroid; it is a synthetic vitamin D derivative that slows skin cell overproduction to treat inflamed, scaly areas. It is often combined with betamethasone, a steroid, for enhanced effect.
Calcipotriol is typically used for 4–8 weeks to achieve significant therapeutic effects, with treatment repeatable as needed. It can be safely used once daily alongside topical corticosteroids (e.g., steroid in the morning, calcipotriol in the evening).
Calcipotriol may show improvement in psoriasis symptoms after two weeks, but full benefits typically take up to eight weeks. It controls psoriasis but does not cure it.
Common side effects of calcipotriol include rash, skin irritation, itching, and redness at the application site.
Calcipotriene and calcipotriol are two names for the same active ingredient, a synthetic derivative of vitamin D3 used to treat psoriasis. The difference lies only in regional naming conventions: calcipotriene is commonly used in the United States, while calcipotriol is used in Europe and other regions. Both have identical chemical structures, mechanisms, and therapeutic effects, slowing skin cell overproduction to reduce scaling and inflammation in psoriasis.
Calcipotriol lotion is used to treat plaque psoriasis, a condition characterized by red, scaly, and inflamed skin patches. It is applied topically to affected areas to reduce skin cell proliferation and inflammation, often improving symptoms within 2–8 weeks.
Calcipotriol is not typically used for hair loss and is primarily indicated for psoriasis. There is limited evidence suggesting it may help with specific scalp conditions like psoriasis-related hair thinning by reducing inflammation, but it is not a treatment for general hair loss (e.g., androgenetic alopecia). Consult a dermatologist for appropriate hair loss treatments.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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