calcipotriol in the treatment of psoriasis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Calcipotriol is indicated for the topical treatment of mild or moderately severe plaque psoriasis affecting less than 40% of the body surface.

If used in quantities of less than 100g per week it does not upset calcium metabolism.

Applied twice daily, it is more effective than dithranol short-contact therapy, and is at least as effective as betamethasone valerate 1mg/g.

To remove excessive scale, a keratolytic e.g. urea 10-20 per cent in white soft paraffin or 2-5 per cent salicylic acid in yellow soft paraffin, can be applied to the affected areas a few hours before the Vitamin-D analogues.

Caclipotriol should not be used on the face because of possible irritation.

Topical vitamin D analogues can cause local irritation and excessive use can lead to hypercalcaemia (1) - has led to the use of combinations of vitamin D analogues with other topical therapies, UV phototherapy and systemic therapies

A suggested protocol for use of topical preparations with respect to NICE guidance (3) is linked.

Reference:

1. Prescriber (2005); 16 (8).
2. Prescribers' Journal (1993);33(5): 183-91.
3. NICE (October 2012). Psoriasis - the assessment and management of psoriasis