Table of Contents

1. What is Calcipotriol?
2. What is Calcipotriol Used to Treat?
3. Do You Need a Prescription for Calcipotriol?
4. How Does Calcipotriol Work?
5. Common Side Effects of Calcipotriol
6. What Should You Not Take with Calcipotriol?
7. Conclusion

What is Calcipotriol?

Calcipotriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D3 that is used to treat psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It is available in a topical form, which is applied directly to the affected area, or in an oral form, which is taken by mouth. Calcipotriol works by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of skin cells, which helps to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.

What is Calcipotriol Used to Treat?

Calcipotriol is used to treat psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin. It is most commonly used to treat plaque psoriasis, which is the most common type of psoriasis. Calcipotriol is also used to treat other types of psoriasis, such as guttate psoriasis and pustular psoriasis.

Do You Need a Prescription for Calcipotriol?

Yes, calcipotriol is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a doctor. It is available in both topical and oral forms, and the type of medication prescribed will depend on the severity of the psoriasis.

How Does Calcipotriol Work?

Calcipotriol works by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of skin cells. It does this by blocking the action of certain enzymes that are involved in the production of skin cells. This helps to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, such as redness, scaling, and itching.

Common Side Effects of Calcipotriol

The most common side effects of calcipotriol are skin irritation and dryness. Other side effects may include burning, stinging, redness, and itching. In rare cases, calcipotriol may cause an allergic reaction.

What Should You Not Take with Calcipotriol?

Calcipotriol should not be taken with other medications that contain vitamin D, such as vitamin D supplements. It should also not be taken with other medications that affect the skin, such as retinoids or topical steroids.

Conclusion

Calcipotriol is a prescription medication used to treat psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It is available in both topical and oral forms, and must be prescribed by a doctor. Calcipotriol works by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of skin cells, which helps to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Common side effects of calcipotriol include skin irritation and dryness. It should not be taken with other medications that contain vitamin D or that affect the skin.

Sources:

1. National Psoriasis Foundation. (2020). Calcipotriene. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/topicals/calcipotriene

2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Calcipotriene. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605033.html