calcipotriol at a glance
Medicine class
Topical vitamin D analogue and antipsoriatic treatment.
Main role
Treats plaque psoriasis; the scalp solution is licensed for mild to moderate scalp psoriasis.
Application safety
Use only on affected areas, avoid the face and eyes, and wash your hands afterwards.
Fire safety
Keep treated skin, contaminated fabrics and scalp solution away from cigarettes, flames and other ignition sources.
What is calcipotriol used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Plaque psoriasis suitable for topical treatment, using the ointment.
Mild to moderate scalp psoriasis, using the scalp solution.
How does calcipotriol work?
Calcipotriol activates vitamin D receptors in skin cells. It suppresses excessive keratinocyte growth and promotes more normal cell development, helping reduce thick scaling.
calcipotriol preparations and strengths
Ointment
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 50 micrograms/g
How to take calcipotriol
Calcipotriol is applied to the skin rather than swallowed. Follow the product leaflet and prescriber's instructions.
Apply only to affected psoriasis areas and rub in gently.
For scalp solution, part the hair if needed and apply directly to affected scalp skin; prevent it running onto the face.
Avoid the face, eyes and unaffected skin. Wash accidental contact off promptly.
Wash your hands after application unless they are being treated.
Do not mix the ointment directly with another medicinal product.
Keep scalp solution and treated materials away from fire or flames.
calcipotriol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Irritation, itching, redness or dryness at the application site
- Burning, stinging or application-site pain
- Skin peeling, rash or dermatitis
- Worsening psoriasis
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, with breathing difficulty or swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat
- Raised blood or urine calcium, potentially causing frequent urination, dry mouth, muscle weakness, constipation or confusion
- Severe or widespread skin reaction
calcipotriol in pregnancy
Human pregnancy safety data are limited. Product information advises avoiding the scalp solution during pregnancy and using the ointment only when clearly necessary. Ask the prescriber to review treatment if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
calcipotriol while breastfeeding
Calcipotriol may sometimes be used during breastfeeding after professional advice, particularly on small areas. Do not apply it to the breast, and prevent the baby contacting treated skin. Longer-term or extensive treatment needs specialist review.
calcipotriol interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements, particularly those affecting calcium.
Systemic vitamin D products
May increase the risk of hypercalcaemia.
Calcium supplements
May increase the risk of excessive blood calcium.
Thiazide or related diuretics
Common questions about calcipotriol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is calcipotriol a steroid?
No. It is a synthetic vitamin D analogue that regulates skin-cell growth and differentiation.
Can calcipotriol be used on the face?
It should not normally be applied to the face because facial skin is particularly prone to irritation. Wash it off promptly after accidental contact.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.