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Calcitriol (Topical)
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Description
Calcitriol (Topical) is the topical form of vitamin D used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (rough, inflamed, and scaly patches of skin that may be itchy and painful). It works by slowing down the overproduction of skin cells that may build up and form scales.
Calcitriol (Topical) shows side effects like dry skin, redness, itching, or discomfort at the site of application. These side effects are usually mild and may subside by themselves. Avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Calcitriol (Topical) should be used as per your doctor’s advise. It is meant for use on the skin only. Avoid contact with your eyes or mouth. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Use this medicine for the recommended duration for best results.
Calcitriol (Topical) may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your doctor of your complete medical history and any medications you are currently using before starting the treatment with this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have high calcium levels in your blood, or if you are undergoing UV phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below the age of two years. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant before beginning treatment with this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Calcitriol (Topical)
Skin irritation
Itchy skin
Skin peeling
Uses of Calcitriol (Topical)
What is it prescribed for?
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a build-up of skin cells due to abnormal immune activity. It causes red, itchy, and scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Calcitriol (Topical) is used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The time taken by Calcitriol (Topical) to show its effect is not known.Duration of effect
The time duration for which Calcitriol (Topical) remains effective in your body is not known.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Calcitriol (Topical).Usage in pregnancy?
Calcitriol (Topical) is not recommended for use during pregnancy as animal studies indicate that it may cause harm to the developing foetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.Usage while breast-feeding?
It is not known if Calcitriol (Topical) passes into the breastmilk. Hence consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Calcitriol (Topical) is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Calcitriol (Topical) is not recommended for use during pregnancy as animal studies indicate that it may cause harm to the developing foetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
It is not known if Calcitriol (Topical) passes into the breastmilk. Hence consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
For external use only
Calcitriol (Topical) is intended for external use only. Direct contact with the eyes, mouth, or healthy skin should be avoided.
High levels of calcium
Calcitriol (Topical) may cause an increase in blood calcium levels in some cases. Hence this medicine should be used with caution if you have hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood), or if you are taking calcium supplements, high doses of vitamin D, or any other medications that may increase blood calcium levels.
Use in children
Calcitriol (Topical) is not recommended for use in children below two years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not clinically established.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose of Calcitriol (Topical) as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
An overdose of Calcitriol (Topical) is not likely to cause severe symptoms unless it is applied for a prolonged period in large quantities. However, the ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Vitamin D3
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply Calcitriol (Topical) to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. Follow the usage instructions mentioned on the label or package insert.
Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, broken skin, or healthy skin.
Consult your doctor if you experience undesired effects that persist or worsen.
Avoid covering the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Calcitriol (Topical) works by slowing down the overproduction of skin cells and preventing the build-up of scales on your skin.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antipsoriatics/ Vitamin D derivative
Schedule
Schedule H
Kim, G., 2022. The Rationale Behind Topical Vitamin D Analogs in the Treatment of Psoriasis: Where Does Topical Calcitriol Fit In?. [online] PubMed Central (PMC). Available at: < [Accessed 6 January 2022].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - VECTICAL- calcitriol ointment. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 December 2021].
Drugs, H., 2022. Calcitriol Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 6 January 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 7 Jan 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.