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Medications for Psoriasis

Other names: Erythrodermic Psoriasis; Guttate Psoriasis; Palmo-plantar Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jan 14, 2024.

Treatment options for psoriasis include topical agents, such as corticosteroids, salicylic acid, coal tar, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors and others; light therapy; and oral or injected medications such as corticosteroids, retinoids, biologics (examples include apremilast [Otezla], etanercept [Enbrel], infliximab [Remicade], adalimumab [Humira],, ustekinumab [Stelara], secukinumab [Cosentyx], ixekizumab [Taltz], guselkumab [Tremfya], tildrakizumab [Ilumya], and certolizumab [Cimzia]).

Topical treatments for psoriasis include:

  • Corticosteroids: These are frequently prescribed for mild to moderate psoriasis and are available as oils, ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays, and shampoos. Mild forms (such as hydrocortisone) are typically used on the face but stronger products such as triamcinolone (Trianex) or clobetasol (Cormax, Temovate) may be used on smaller, harder-to-treat areas. Long-term use can thin the skin
  • Vitamin D analogues: Synthetic forms like calcipotriene and calcitriol slow skin cell growth, and may be used alone or with corticosteroids
  • Retinoids: Tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage), applied daily, reduces skin cell growth but isn't recommended during pregnancy and it may cause skin irritation and increased sensitivity to light
  • Calcineurin inhibitors: Tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) calm the rash and are beneficial in sensitive areas.

Additional topical ingredients may be used alone or in combination with other ingredients including:

  • Salicylic acid: Reduces scaling, available in shampoos and solutions
  • Coal tar: Diminishes scaling, but can be messy, stain clothing and bedding, with a strong odor. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Anthralin: A tar cream that slows cell growth, removing scales, usually applied for a short duration due to potential skin irritation. Stains almost everything. Applied for a short time then washed off.

Light therapy is usually a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis and can be combined with the use of ingredients such as coal tar (Goeckerman therapy) which makes the skin more responsive to ultraviolet B light, or psoralen (makes the skin more responsive to UV A light). Excimer Laser is another form of light therapy that targets the affected skin with strong UVB light, requiring fewer sessions than traditional phototherapy.

Oral or injected medications may be given regularly or only used for short periods and may include:

  • Steroids, such as triamcinolone, may be injected directly into persistent psoriasis patches
  • Retinoids, such as acitretin and others in pill form can reduce skin cell production. Side effects may include skin and muscle soreness and they are not recommended during pregnancy.
  • Biologics: These injected drugs alter the immune system in a way that interrupts the disease cycle and improves signs and symptoms of moderate to severe disease, but they can increase the risk of infection. Examples include apremilast (Otezla), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), ustekinumab (Stelara), secukinumab (Cosentyx), ixekizumab (Taltz), guselkumab (Tremfya), tildrakizumab (Ilumya) and certolizumab (Cimzia). Etanercept, ixekizumab, and ustekinumab are also approved for use in children.
  • Methotrexate: Weekly oral dose to decrease skin cell production, with ongoing monitoring required. Should be stopped at least 3 months before conception and should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Cyclosporine: Suppresses the immune system for severe psoriasis, but should not be used continuously for more than a year. Increases the risk of infection. Not for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Drugs used to treat Psoriasis

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
clobetasol 8.7 70 reviews for clobetasol to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
clobetasol topical
Brand names:
Clobex, Temovate, Olux, Olux-E, Clobevate, Clodan, Cormax, Cormax Scalp, Embeline, Embeline E, Impoyz, Tovet
Drug class:
topical steroids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Humira 6.9 113 reviews for Humira to treat Psoriasis Rx B N
Generic name:
adalimumab systemic
Drug class:
antirheumatics, TNF alfa inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Stelara 8.3 138 reviews for Stelara to treat Psoriasis Rx B N
Generic name:
ustekinumab systemic
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
methotrexate 7.9 95 reviews for methotrexate to treat Psoriasis Rx X N X
Generic name:
methotrexate systemic
Brand names:
Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall, Jylamvo
Drug class:
antimetabolites, antirheumatics, antipsoriatics, other immunosuppressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Skyrizi 6.7 14 reviews for Skyrizi to treat Psoriasis Rx N
Generic name:
risankizumab systemic
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Cosentyx 7.5 18 reviews for Cosentyx to treat Psoriasis Rx B N
Generic name:
secukinumab systemic
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
triamcinolone 8.4 25 reviews for triamcinolone to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
triamcinolone topical
Brand names:
Kenalog, Triderm, Aristocort A, Cinolar, Trianex, Triasil, Tritocin
Drug class:
topical steroids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
ustekinumab 8.3 140 reviews for ustekinumab to treat Psoriasis Rx B N
Generic name:
ustekinumab systemic
Brand names:
Stelara, Imuldosa, Otulfi, Pyzchiva, Selarsdi, Steqeyma, Wezlana, Yesintek
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Taltz 8.2 26 reviews for Taltz to treat Psoriasis Rx N
Generic name:
ixekizumab systemic
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Tremfya 7.2 27 reviews for Tremfya to treat Psoriasis Rx N
Generic name:
guselkumab systemic
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
adalimumab 6.9 115 reviews for adalimumab to treat Psoriasis Rx B N
Generic name:
adalimumab systemic
Brand names:
Humira, Abrilada, Amjevita, Cyltezo, Hadlima, Hulio, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Simlandi, Yuflyma, Yusimry
Drug class:
antirheumatics, TNF alfa inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Ilumya 5.3 4 reviews for Ilumya to treat Psoriasis Rx N
Generic name:
tildrakizumab systemic
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
ixekizumab 8.2 27 reviews for ixekizumab to treat Psoriasis Rx N
Generic name:
ixekizumab systemic
Brand name:
Taltz
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
apremilast Rate Add review Rx C N
Generic name:
apremilast systemic
Drug class:
antirheumatics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
risankizumab 6.9 15 reviews for risankizumab to treat Psoriasis Rx N
Generic name:
risankizumab systemic
Brand name:
Skyrizi
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
secukinumab 7.6 19 reviews for secukinumab to treat Psoriasis Rx B N
Generic name:
secukinumab systemic
Brand name:
Cosentyx
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
tildrakizumab 5.3 4 reviews for tildrakizumab to treat Psoriasis Rx N
Generic name:
tildrakizumab systemic
Brand name:
Ilumya
Drug class:
interleukin inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
fluocinonide 7.8 19 reviews for fluocinonide to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
fluocinonide topical
Brand name:
Vanos
Drug class:
topical steroids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
triamcinolone 9.9 7 reviews for triamcinolone to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
triamcinolone systemic
Brand names:
Kenalog-40, Kenalog-10, Aristospan, Clinacort
Drug class:
glucocorticoids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Elocon 9.4 15 reviews for Elocon to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
mometasone topical
Drug class:
topical steroids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
mometasone 9.3 20 reviews for mometasone to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
mometasone topical
Brand name:
Elocon
Drug class:
topical steroids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
calcipotriene 6.5 35 reviews for calcipotriene to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
calcipotriene topical
Brand names:
Dovonex, Calcitrene, Kalosar, Sorilux
Drug class:
topical antipsoriatics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
prednisone 6.5 16 reviews for prednisone to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
prednisone systemic
Drug class:
glucocorticoids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Clobex 8.4 30 reviews for Clobex to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
clobetasol topical
Drug class:
topical steroids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Dovonex 6.4 24 reviews for Dovonex to treat Psoriasis Rx C N
Generic name:
calcipotriene topical
Drug class:
topical antipsoriatics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information

Frequently asked questions

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Topics under Psoriasis

Alternative treatments for Psoriasis

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Psoriasis. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Psoriasis.

Learn more about Psoriasis

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

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