calcipotriene

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity to calcipotriene or other components in the base;
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:

None reported.

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 ⬆ ⬇

(Adults and Children ≥4 yr): Apply twice daily.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Calcitrene, ~~, Dovonex,~~ Sorilux

Action ⬆ ⬇

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

Therapeutic effects:

Decreased extent and severity of psoriatic lesions.

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 ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose and side effects of calcipotriene. Instruct patient to apply 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 (including forehead and scalp margin if uninvolved) 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. Do not share medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms; may be harmful. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
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.
Instruct patient to consult health care professional if skin problem has not improved within 2–8 wk or if skin condition worsens.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇