Skip to main content

Calcipotriene topical

Generic name: calcipotriene topical [ KAL-si-poe-TRYE-een ]
Brand names: Calcitrene, Dovonex, Sorilux, Calsodore
Dosage forms: topical cream (0.005%), topical foam (0.005%), topical ointment (0.005%), topical solution (0.005%)
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 13, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is calcipotriene topical?

Calcipotriene is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells.

Calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).

Calcipotriene topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calcipotriene topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Calcipotriene topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using calcipotriene topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of calcipotriene topical may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use calcipotriene topical if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body. Do not apply calcipotriene topical to your face.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use calcipotriene topical if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

To make sure calcipotriene topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.

How should I use calcipotriene topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Calcipotriene topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use calcipotriene topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

Do not apply this medicine to your face.

Do not use calcipotriene topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply calcipotriene topical. Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin.

Shake the foam (Sorilux) well just before you measure a dose.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep in a refrigerator or freezer.

Calcipotriene topical foam and solution are flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Calcipotriene topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis:

Cream/foam: Apply a thin layer to affected areas twice a day and rub in gently and completely
Ointment: Apply a thin layer to affected areas once or twice a day and rub in gently and completely

Comments:
-The safety and efficacy of cream has been demonstrated in patients treated for eight weeks.

Use: Treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults

Solution: After combing the hair to remove scaly debris and then suitably parting, apply to lesions twice a day, and rub in gently and completely, taking care to prevent the solution spreading onto the forehead.

Comments:
-The safety and efficacy of solution has been demonstrated in patients treated for eight weeks.
-Keep solution away from the eyes
-Avoid application of the solution to uninvolved scalp margins

Use: Topical treatment of chronic, moderately severe psoriasis of the scalp

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using calcipotriene topical?

Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with calcipotriene topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not get calcipotriene topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Do not use vitamin or mineral supplements while you are using calcipotriene topical, unless your doctor has told you to.

Calcipotriene could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect calcipotriene topical?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with calcipotriene topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Popular FAQ

In studies, Enstilar Foam (calcipotriene / betamethasone dipropionate) has been used safely and effectively to treat plaque psoriasis on the body and scalp in adults and adolescents ages 12 to 17 years of age. Foam preparations are often preferred by patients with scalp psoriasis (over ointments or thick creams) and the ingredients in Enstilar Foam are considered standard first-line treatments. Continue reading

Enstilar is a topical spray foam applied to the skin to treat plaque psoriasis. It contains calcipotriene, a vitamin D analog, and betamethasone dipropionate, a potent corticosteroid. Enstilar is used on the skin for up to 4 weeks in people 12 years and older. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.