Generic medicine

Calcipotriol Monohydrate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Calcipotriol Monohydrate is a synthetic vitamin D3 analog used topically for the treatment of plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris).

Forms:Ointment

About Calcipotriol Monohydrate

Indications of Calcipotriol Monohydrate

Calcipotriol Monohydrate is a synthetic vitamin D3 analog used topically for the treatment of plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris).

Established / FDA-approved use

  • Treatment of plaque psoriasis of the skin (mild to moderate) in adults, as monotherapy (cream, ointment, or solution/foam).

Guideline-supported / combination use

  • In fixed-dose combination with a topical corticosteroid (e.g., betamethasone dipropionate), for plaque psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, where combination therapy improves efficacy and may reduce irritation compared with Calcipotriol Monohydrate alone.

Off-label use (not FDA-approved, reported in literature)

  • Vitiligo (often combined with phototherapy or topical corticosteroids), under specialist supervision only.

Calcipotriol Monohydrate is not indicated for erythrodermic, exfoliative, or generalized pustular psoriasis.

Dosage & Administration of Calcipotriol Monohydrate

General principle

Calcipotriol Monohydrate should be applied only to the affected (psoriatic) skin, in the minimum amount needed to cover lesions, and the total weekly dose limit (see below) should not be exceeded to avoid disturbance of calcium metabolism.

IndicationAdult doseNotes
Plaque psoriasis (body), monotherapyApply a thin layer once or twice dailyMaximum weekly dose of Calcipotriol Monohydrate should not exceed 100 g of cream/ointment (or the equivalent) per week
Scalp psoriasisApply solution/foam to scalp lesions once or twice dailyPart hair, apply directly to plaques
Combination with topical corticosteroidApply once daily, generally for up to 4 weeks (body) as directed by physicianFollow the specific combination product's approved regimen

Pediatric dose

Use in children below 18 years should be under specialist supervision only, with lower body-surface-area treatment limits; safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 12 years for most Calcipotriol Monohydrate products (see Pediatric Use).

Renal/hepatic impairment

No well-established dose adjustment is defined for topical Calcipotriol Monohydrate, but caution is advised in patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment because of a theoretical risk of altered calcium handling; consult a physician.

Side Effects of Calcipotriol Monohydrate

Adverse effects reported with Calcipotriol Monohydrate are generally local and most common at the start of treatment:

Very common/common

  • Local burning or stinging sensation at the application site.
  • Itching (pruritus).
  • Erythema (redness) and skin irritation.

Less common

  • Dry skin, peeling, or worsening of psoriasis.
  • Rash or dermatitis (including contact dermatitis).
  • Photosensitivity reactions.

Rare

  • Hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria (usually with excessive use/large surface areas - see Precautions).
  • Skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation with prolonged use, particularly with combination corticosteroid products.
  • Facial or eyelid irritation if inadvertently applied or transferred to these areas.

Contraindications of Calcipotriol Monohydrate

Calcipotriol Monohydrate is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Calcipotriol Monohydrate or any component of the formulation (or, for combination products, to the corticosteroid component).
  • Known disorders of calcium metabolism with evidence of hypercalcemia.

Note: Calcipotriol Monohydrate should not be used on erythrodermic, exfoliative, or generalized pustular psoriasis; this is a use-limitation based on lack of established safety/efficacy and risk of increased systemic absorption in these severe/unstable forms of psoriasis, assessed on an individual basis by the treating physician, rather than an absolute hypersensitivity-type contraindication.

Frequently Asked Questions about Calcipotriol Monohydrate

What is Calcipotriol Monohydrate used for?

Calcipotriol Monohydrate is a topical vitamin D3 analog used to treat plaque psoriasis. It is applied directly to psoriatic skin lesions to reduce scaling, thickening, and redness, either alone or combined with a topical corticosteroid.

Can I use Calcipotriol Monohydrate on my face?

Calcipotriol Monohydrate is generally not recommended for use on the face because it commonly causes irritation in this sensitive area. Apply it only to the areas your physician has directed, avoiding the face, eyes, lips, and skin folds.

Is Calcipotriol Monohydrate safe during pregnancy?

Data on Calcipotriol Monohydrate use in pregnancy are limited. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, for the shortest effective time and smallest area; always consult a physician before use during pregnancy.

How much Calcipotriol Monohydrate can I use per week?

To reduce the risk of hypercalcemia (high blood calcium), the total weekly amount of Calcipotriol Monohydrate applied should not exceed the maximum your physician recommends (commonly around 100 g of cream/ointment per week for adults). Do not exceed the prescribed amount or frequency.

What side effects can occur with Calcipotriol Monohydrate?

The most common side effects of Calcipotriol Monohydrate are local burning, stinging, itching, and redness at the application site, especially when starting treatment. Rarely, excessive use over large areas can raise blood calcium levels, which requires medical attention.

Can I use other vitamin D or calcium products with Calcipotriol Monohydrate?

You should avoid using other vitamin D analogs or calcium supplements together with Calcipotriol Monohydrate unless your physician specifically approves it, because combined use can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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