Calcipotriol
Calcipotriol is an analogue of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (the active form of vitamin D), and regulates proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. Calcipotriol is effective for psoriasis, but results are not immediate—it can take up to 6 weeks to see adequate clearance.
In Australia, commercial calcipotriol products are available (ointments and foam sprays), but only in combination with the topical corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate. At the time of writing, the ointment and foam spray products are subsided by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of chronic stable plaque type psoriasis vulgaris not controlled by potent topical corticosteroid monotherapy1. The foam spray product has been used by specialists for the proactive management of psoriasis (ie twice a week dose regimen to prevent flares)Lebwohl, 2021Segaert, 2022.
Adverse effects of calcipotriol include erythema and irritation. Be cautious when treating widespread psoriasis; limit use of the ointment or foam to less than 15 g per day or 100 g per week to reduce the risk of hypercalcaemia resulting from systemic absorption. See the product information for more detail on application amounts.