calcipotriene

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity to calcipotriene or other components in the base (petrolatum and mineral oil in cream (U.S.), propylene glycol in scalp solution (U.S.), paraffin in Canadian product);
Hypercalcemia;
Vitamin D toxicity.

Use Cautiously in:

OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant;
Pedi: Children <4 yr (safety and effectiveness not established);
Geri: ↑incidence of local reactions in older adults.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: burning, itching, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, dry skin, erythema, peeling, rash, worsening/spreading of psoriatic lesions

F and E: hypercalcemia

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Cream: 0.005%
Foam: 0.005%
Ointment: 0.005%
Scalp solution: 0.005%
In combination with: betamethasone dipropionate (Enstilar, Taclonex, Wynzora).

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Modulates skin cell development and production by acting as a synthetic form of vitamin D.

Therapeutic effects:

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antipsoriatics

Pharmacologic Classification: synthetic vitamin d3 analogues

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: 6% (cream and ointment) and 1% (scalp solution) is systemically absorbed from psoriatic lesions.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized and recycled by the liver; excreted in bile.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(improvement in psoriatic lesions)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Topical	2–8 wk	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to use medication as directed. If a dose is missed, apply as soon as possible, unless almost time for next dose. Calcipotriene is for external use only; contact with face or eyes should be avoided. Wash hands after application. Advise patient propellant in Sorilux foam is flammable. Avoid use near fire, flame, or smoking during and immediately following application.
Advise patient not to use calcipotriene for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
Instruct patient to report any signs of local adverse reactions, persistent irritation, or facial rash to health care professional. Calcipotriene may cause irritation of lesions and surrounding skin. Discontinuation of the drug may be required.
Advise patient to avoid excessive exposure of natural or artificial light (tanning beds, sunlamps) to treated area.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Emphasize the importance of regular lab tests to monitor calcium concentrations.
Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Instruct patient to consult health care professional if skin problem has not improved within 2–8 wk or if skin condition worsens.