tacalcitol monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical vitamin D analogue and antipsoriatic treatment.
Licensed use
Psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
Where it can be used
Affected skin including the face, scalp, hairline, armpits and other skin folds; avoid the eyes.
Fire safety
Ointment-contaminated clothing, bedding and dressings burn more easily. Keep away from smoking and naked flames.
What is tacalcitol monohydrate used for?
The selected UK ointment is licensed for:
Treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
How does tacalcitol monohydrate work?
Tacalcitol binds to vitamin D receptors in skin cells. It slows excessive keratinocyte growth, promotes more normal cell maturation and has local anti-inflammatory effects, helping reduce thick, scaly psoriatic plaques.
How to take tacalcitol monohydrate
Use tacalcitol only on affected skin as directed by the prescriber.
Spread the ointment sparingly over psoriasis patches.
Avoid contact with the eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
Wash your hands after application unless the hands are being treated.
Ointment used on the scalp can be shampooed out the following morning.
Keep treated fabrics away from cigarettes, flames and other ignition sources.
tacalcitol monohydrate side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypercalcaemia, particularly where excessive amounts are used or risk factors are present.
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including swelling or facial oedema.
- Seek clinical advice if irritation, rash or psoriasis becomes marked or persistent.
tacalcitol monohydrate in pregnancy
Safety during human pregnancy has not been established. UK product information advises avoiding tacalcitol during pregnancy unless no safer alternative is suitable; discuss treatment with the prescriber when pregnant, planning pregnancy or likely to become pregnant.
tacalcitol monohydrate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether tacalcitol passes into human milk, although skin absorption is low. Do not apply it to the breast; discuss continued treatment with the prescriber or pharmacist.
tacalcitol monohydrate interactions
Tell the prescriber about supplements, phototherapy and other treatments applied to the same skin.
High-dose vitamin D preparations
They may increase the risk of high blood calcium, so corrected serum calcium may need monitoring.
UVB phototherapy
Tacalcitol may be combined with UVB under specialist direction, but applications and light treatment should be appropriately separated.
Topical corticosteroids, urea, emollients, dithranol or PUVA
Experience with concurrent use is limited, so the treatment combination should be reviewed by the prescriber.
Common questions about tacalcitol monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is tacalcitol monohydrate used for?
Its selected UK ointment is licensed to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
Is tacalcitol monohydrate a steroid?
No. It is a topical vitamin D analogue that regulates skin-cell growth and differentiation.
Can tacalcitol monohydrate be used on the face?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.