Calcipotriol
About Calcipotriol
Calcipotriol is a topical medication primarily used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. It works by targeting the underlying cause of red, scaly patches on the skin to help restore a healthier skin appearance. This treatment is specifically prescribed to help control and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms associated with active skin plaques.
To achieve the best results, you should apply Calcipotriol consistently as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily. Because this is a topical treatment applied directly to the skin, it is not affected by food and does not need to be scheduled around meals. Incorporating simple lifestyle habits, such as keeping your skin well-moisturised and avoiding known psoriasis triggers, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of this treatment.
While using Calcipotriol, you may experience mild, localised skin irritation, redness, or itching at the application site. However, if you notice severe skin burning, a spreading rash, or symptoms of high calcium levels, such as extreme fatigue, nausea, or muscle weakness, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your healthcare provider will help monitor your progress to ensure the treatment remains safe for you.
Before starting this medication, it is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have a history of high calcium levels in your blood or urine. Do not use this medicine if you have been diagnosed with hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity. Your doctor will determine if this topical treatment is appropriate for your specific skin condition.
You should inform your healthcare provider about all other products you use, as certain topical treatments or calcium supplements can interact with Calcipotriol and affect how it works. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, older adults, and children should consult their doctor before starting this treatment. Calcipotriol is generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age, and older children may require different dosing based on their age and the area of skin being treated.
Uses of Calcipotriol
Medicinal Benefits
Calcipotriol is a vitamin D analogue that helps treat plaque psoriasis by slowing the excessive growth of skin cells and promoting their normal development. Regular use helps improve the appearance and comfort of affected skin.
- Reduces Psoriasis Plaques: Helps slow the rapid growth of skin cells, reducing the thickness of psoriasis plaques.
- Decreases Scaling and Flaking: Helps minimise scaling, flaking, and rough patches, leaving the skin smoother.
- Relieves Skin Discomfort: Helps reduce itching, dryness, and irritation associated with plaque psoriasis.
- Improves Skin Appearance: Regular use helps clear plaques and restore a healthier-looking skin surface.
- Helps Maintain Disease Control: Consistent treatment may help reduce the formation of new psoriasis plaques and support long-term symptom management.
Directions for Use
- It is advised to apply Calcipotriol 1 to 2 times daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Take a small amount of Calcipotriol on the fingertip and apply it as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid contact of the Calcipotriol with the nose or eyes. In case of accidental contact with these areas, rinse with water thoroughly. Wash your hands before and after using Calcipotriol if your hands are not the affected area to prevent the spread of infection.
Storage
Side Effects of Calcipotriol
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Skin irritation, burning, or stinging at the application site
- Redness or temporary colour changes of the skin
- Dry, peeling, or itchy skin
- Worsening of psoriasis plaques (temporary)
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of high calcium levels, such as extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, severe constipation, or muscle weakness
- Severe skin burning, pain, swelling, or blistering
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do Not Exceed the Recommended Dose: Do not use more than the prescribed amount of Calcipotriol, as excessive use may increase the risk of high blood calcium levels.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Do not apply Calcipotriol to the face, groin, underarms, or other sensitive areas unless specifically directed by your doctor.
- Wash Your Hands After Application: Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medicine unless your hands are the treated area.
- Avoid Incompatible Topical Products: Do not apply products containing salicylic acid or other topical medicines to the same area unless your doctor advises you to do so, as they may reduce the effectiveness of Calcipotriol.
- Report Worsening Symptoms: Contact your doctor if your psoriasis worsens, does not improve, or if you develop new pus-filled lesions or severe skin irritation during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines and supplements may interact with Calcipotriol. Important interactions include:
- Topical Salicylic Acid: May deactivate Calcipotriol if applied to the same skin area at the same time. Avoid using these products together.
- Oral Vitamin D or Calcium Supplements: May increase the risk of developing high calcium levels in your blood when combined with large amounts of Calcipotriol.
- Other Topical Corticosteroids or Retinoids: Always consult your doctor before combining these with Calcipotriol, as they can alter skin absorption
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction was found. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
cautionCalcipotriol should not be taken until prescribed. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Calcipotriol passes into the breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Calcipotriol if you are breastfeeding. If you need to apply the cream or ointment on your breasts, don't do this shortly before giving a feed.
Driving
safe if prescribedThere have been no studies to investigate the effect of Calcipotriol on driving performance or the ability to operate machinery.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Calcipotriol. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Calcipotriol.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before taking Calcipotriol. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Calcipotriol.
Children
unsafeCalcipotriol is not recommended for children less than 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Moisturise regularly: Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser daily to help soothe dry skin and reduce scaling. Always wait at least 30 minutes after applying Calcipotriol before putting on your moisturiser.
- Identify and avoid triggers: Keep a journal to track what triggers your psoriasis flare-ups, such as high stress, skin injuries, certain foods, or cold weather, and take steps to avoid them.
- Protect your skin from the sun: While mild sun exposure can sometimes help psoriasis, Calcipotriol can make your skin more sensitive to light. Use sunscreen on untreated areas and wear protective clothing.
- Limit alcohol and smoking: Both alcohol consumption and smoking have been shown to worsen psoriasis symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of treatments.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and flaxseeds) and colourful vegetables, which can help support overall skin health.
Special Advise
If you do not notice any improvement of your infection after using Calcipotriol for one to two weeks, please consult your doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a condition in which your skin develops raised red patches and silver-coloured scaly patches. Scaly patches are dead cells that would usually fall off your skin without notice.
FAQs
Calcipotriol is used to treat psoriasis.
Calcipotriol contains the active substance calcipotriol. It is a synthetic form of Vitamin D. Calcipotriol works by reducing this overproduction of skin cells that eases the inflamed, scaly areas.
Calcipotriol is for topical (for skin use) application only. Avoid Calcipotriol contact with eyes, nose and mouth. Do not put a bandage or a dressing on the affected area while using Calcipotriol unless advised by the doctor.
No. Calcipotriol is intended only for the treatment of psoriasis and should not be used to treat diaper rash unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. If your baby has diaper rash, consult a paediatrician for appropriate treatment.
Do not stop using Calcipotriol even if you feel better until the doctor's advised course is finished. Your symptoms may improve, but the disease may not be cured completely.
No, Calcipotriol is not a steroid. It contains calcipotriol, which is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. Calcipotriol is used to treat psoriasis by slowing down the excessive growth of skin cells.
Calcipotriol should not be used on the face, as it may cause skin irritation. It is generally recommended for use on areas like the elbows, knees, and scalp, where psoriasis commonly appears.
Apply Calcipotriol only to the psoriasis plaques in a thin layer with the fingertip and gently rub in. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not use more than the recommended amount. If you experience any side effects consult your doctor.
Do not use Calcipotriol if you have high blood calcium levels, if you are taking calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, or have kidney or liver problems. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any illness before using Calcipotriol.
There is limited research on the safety of using Calcipotriol during pregnancy. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before starting this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
If you experience severe burning, painful swelling, blistering, or a sudden worsening of your psoriasis, you should stop applying the medication immediately and wash the area. Contact your healthcare provider right away to evaluate your symptoms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any unexpected skin reactions.
Yes, keeping your skin moisturised is highly beneficial for managing psoriasis. However, you should apply Calcipotriol first and wait at least 30 minutes before applying your daily moisturiser to ensure Calcipotriol is fully absorbed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations on the best moisturisers to use.
Calcipotriol can make your treated skin more sensitive to sunlight and UV rays, which can increase your risk of sunburn. It is best to protect treated areas with clothing or avoid prolonged sun exposure while using this medication. Talk to your doctor about how to safely manage sun exposure during your treatment.
Calcipotriol is generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age. In older children, the amount used depends on the child's age and the size of the affected skin area. Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed by the child's doctor.
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