Calcipotriol
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* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Calcipotriol Key Facts
About Calcipotriol
Calcipotriol, (a synthetic derivative of vitamin D) is used for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is caused by the overproduction of skin cells which form dry scaly patches, that can become irritated and itchy. Calcipotriol helps the skin to return back to normal skin growth, reducing skin irritation and providing relief.
Calcipotriol is also available in combination with a steroid called betamethasone dipropionate, as an ointment, gel or a foam. Brand names include Dovobet or Enstilar.
NowPatient offers Calcipotriol ointment or Dovonex ointment as treatments for psoriasis only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Calcipotriol
- For the treatment of psoriasis
- Calcipotriol can take up to 2 weeks to show an effect on the skin
- Calcipotriol has some common side effects which include dermatitis
- It can be dangerous if you use Calcipotriol with certain medications such as calcium supplements. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- Calcipotriol does not contain a corticosteroid
Who is Calcipotriol not suitable for?
Calcipotriol may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to Calcipotriol in the past, or any of the inactive ingredients such as liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, macrogol (2) stearyl ether, or white soft paraffin
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Are having ultraviolet light treatment for a skin condition
- Are suffering from guttate, exfoliative, erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis
How and where to get Calcipotriol ointment?
You can buy Calcipotriol ointment safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of psoriasis, you can discuss if Calcipotriol is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Calcipotriol for psoriasis
Calcipotriol is available as a 50 micrograms per gram ointment when used for psoriasis. It is also available as a scalp solution, which is used for the treatment of scalp psoriasis.
Information about how to use Calcipotriol for psoriasis
Wash your hands before applying Calcipotriol. If you have particularly dry skin, apply a moisturiser before using Calcipotriol. Apply a thin layer of Calcipotriol once or twice per day to the affected area of skin.
Avoid excessive exposure to artificial sunlight when using Calcipotriol as the treated areas may receive too much vitamin D, making your symptoms worse. Also, read the patient information leaflet provided with your Calcipotriol, or speak to a healthcare professional for further medical advice.
What happens if you use too much Calcipotriol?
If you use more than the recommended dose, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Calcipotriol and you experience any of the following side effects.
What are the side effects of Calcipotriol?
Side effects of Calcipotriol are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Skin irritation
- Worsening of your psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Redness
- Burning feeling
- Itchy rash, pain and skin inflammation
Serious side effects include:
- Hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium levels) – decreased appetite, increased thirst, serious pain in your muscles or stomach, metallic taste, nausea, and constipation
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Calcipotriol at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Calcipotriol. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Calcipotriol used for psoriasis be used long term?
Calcipotriol may take up to 2 weeks to have an effect on your skin. Speak to your doctor if you do not see any improvements after 2 weeks.
Is there a herbal Calcipotriol?
No. Herbal Calcipotriol does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Calcipotriol?
Women can use Calcipotriol for the treatment of psoriasis, and it is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. You are however, advised not to use on breast skin as it could affect breast milk.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Calcipotriol?
You can eat and drink normally when using Calcipotriol.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with psoriasis?
Modify your lifestyle in a number of ways. This may have a positive impact on your psoriasis.
- Reduce stress
- Reduce illnesses, especially strep infections
- Avoid skin injury
- Limit alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
- Avoid certain foods
- Use moisturisers and emollients to prevent flare-ups
- Take antihistamines to ease the itching
Alternatives to Calcipotriol
Alternatives for the treatment of psoriasis include Dovonex, Dermovate and Fucibet. If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, treatments include Betacap and Diprosalic scalp application.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Calcipotriol
What is Calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol is a synthetic vitamin D3 analogue used topically to treat plaque psoriasis. It is the active ingredient in brand-name products such as Dovonex (calcipotriol alone) and Dovobet/Enstilar (calcipotriol combined with betamethasone). Calcipotriol is available as a cream, ointment, scalp solution, and foam in the UK, all of which are prescription-only. It is a non-steroidal treatment that normalises the excessive skin cell growth characteristic of psoriasis.
How does Calcipotriol differ from vitamin D supplements?
Calcipotriol is a synthetic analogue of vitamin D3 designed specifically for topical skin application. It has potent effects on skin cell growth and differentiation but has a much weaker effect on calcium metabolism than natural vitamin D. This means it can be applied to the skin to treat psoriasis without significantly affecting blood calcium levels (at recommended doses). Oral vitamin D supplements do not have the same direct effect on psoriasis plaques as topically applied calcipotriol.
Is Calcipotriol effective for psoriasis?
Yes, calcipotriol is one of the most evidence-based and widely used topical treatments for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Clinical studies show that calcipotriol improves psoriasis in approximately 60–70% of patients, with effects comparable to moderate-potency topical corticosteroids after 6–8 weeks of use. Its main advantage over steroids is that it does not cause skin thinning, allowing long-term use. It is recommended in NICE and BAD guidelines as a first-line topical treatment for psoriasis.
How do I use Calcipotriol?
Apply calcipotriol cream or ointment thinly to the affected psoriasis plaques once or twice daily. Rub in gently. Wash your hands thoroughly after application. Do not apply more than 100 g of calcipotriol products per week to the body. For scalp psoriasis, use the scalp solution or foam and do not exceed 60 ml per week. Avoid applying calcipotriol to the face, as it may cause irritation.
What is the maximum weekly dose of Calcipotriol?
The maximum recommended weekly dose is 100 g of calcipotriol cream or ointment applied to the body, or 60 ml of scalp solution. If using calcipotriol on both the body and scalp, the total combined weekly dose should not exceed the equivalent of 100 g. Exceeding these limits increases the risk of systemic absorption and hypercalcaemia (elevated calcium levels), which can cause symptoms such as thirst, nausea, constipation, and in severe cases, kidney problems.
What are the side effects of Calcipotriol?
Common side effects include local skin irritation, itching, burning, erythema, and dryness at the application site. These usually settle within the first 1–2 weeks of use. Dermatitis around the psoriasis plaques and facial irritation (if accidentally transferred to the face) can occur. Hypercalcaemia is rare but possible if maximum weekly doses are exceeded. Your doctor may monitor calcium levels if you are using calcipotriol at high doses or over large areas.
Can I use Calcipotriol with other psoriasis treatments?
Yes, calcipotriol is commonly combined with other psoriasis treatments. It is frequently used with topical corticosteroids — either as separate products applied at different times or as a combined product (Dovobet, Enstilar). It can also be used alongside phototherapy (UVB treatment) and systemic psoriasis medications. Do not apply calcipotriol at the same time as products containing salicylic acid, as the salicylic acid can inactivate calcipotriol.
How can I get Calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol requires a prescription and is available on the NHS from your GP or dermatologist. It can also be obtained through NowPatient’s online service with convenient consultations and home delivery.
Experienced a Side Effect?
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