express delivery
Express delivery to
Select Pincode
Search for Medicine and Healthcare items
Search
Molecule icon

Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene

SHARE

Molecule Summary

Uses
psoriasis
Therapy
Drugs For Psoriasis
Side Effects
Skin irritation, Dryness or peeling of the skin.
100% Authentic
Medicines
Cash on delivery
available
Delivery across
19k pincodes

Molecule Description

Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene is a vitamin D based topical medicine used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. It helps slow the excessive proliferation of skin cells, which is the primary cause of scaling, redness, and thickened patches observed in psoriasis. With regular application, it gradually improves the texture and appearance of affected skin. Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene is intended solely for external use and is typically applied to psoriasis lesions on the trunk, arms, and legs. It is generally not advised for use on the face, scalp, or skin folds unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, as these areas are more sensitive. Visible improvement may be noticed within a few weeks, with optimal results typically seen after 6–8 weeks of consistent use. Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene is usually well-tolerated when used as directed. However, applying more than the recommended amount or using it over large areas of skin may affect calcium levels in the body. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding dose and duration to minimise the risk of side effects. This medicine may be used alone or in combination with topical corticosteroids, depending on your doctor's advice. When used correctly, it helps control psoriasis symptoms and improves overall skin comfort and appearance.

Uses

Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene is a topical vitamin D based medicine used for the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in adults.

Contraindications

When should one not use Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene

  • If you are allergic to calcipotriol or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
  • If you have high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcaemia).
  • If you have a disorder related to calcium metabolism.
  • If you are using it for a child without a doctor's advice.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Skin irritation, such as redness, itching, burning, or stinging, at the site of application.
  • Dryness or peeling of the skin.
  • Worsening of psoriasis symptoms in rare cases.
  • Increased sensitivity of the treated skin.
  • Changes in calcium levels in the body may occur if it is used excessively or over large areas.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene should be used only if your doctor considers it essential after carefully weighing the potential benefits against possible risks. As a precaution, its use during pregnancy is generally avoided unless specifically prescribed.

Breast Feeding

Breast Feeding

It is not known whether Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene passes into breast milk. Short-term use on small skin areas is unlikely to affect the breastfed baby. However, you should avoid applying this medicine to or near the breast. Long-term use or application over large areas is not recommended unless advised by your doctor.

Driving

Driving

Yes, Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene does not affect alertness or coordination and does not impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Alcohol

Alcohol

There are no known direct interactions between alcohol and this medicine when used topically. However, moderation is advised as excessive alcohol intake may worsen skin conditions. Consult your doctor if you drink regularly.

Other General Warnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • You have kidney or liver disease or a known disorder of calcium metabolism.
  • You notice signs of high calcium levels, such as weakness, constipation, or confusion.
  • You are using calcium supplements, vitamin D products, or medicines that increase calcium levels.
  • You plan to use this medicine on large body areas or for a long duration.
  • You have psoriasis affecting the face, skin folds, or severe forms such as pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis.
  • You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • You are exposing treated skin to excessive sunlight or UV therapy.
  • You plan to apply this medicine to the face, eyes, mouth or skin folds.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene is a vitamin D based topical medicine that works by slowing down and normalising the rapid growth of skin cells seen in psoriasis. This helps reduce scaling, redness, and thickened patches, leading to gradual improvement in skin appearance and comfort with regular use.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

  • Using this medicine with calcium supplements, vitamin D products, or medications that increase calcium levels may increase the risk of hypercalcaemia. Avoid applying other psoriasis medicines on the same area unless advised.

Dosage

Overdose

Applying more than the recommended amount may increase calcium levels in your blood. Symptoms may include weakness, constipation or confusion. Calcium levels usually return to normal after stopping the medicine. Consult your doctor in case of suspected overdose.

Missed a Dose

If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, it can be used as directed for maintenance, but long-term continuous use should be monitored by your doctor to avoid calcium-related side effects.

You may begin to notice improvement within 2–4 weeks of regular use. The maximum benefit is usually observed after 6–8 weeks of treatment. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

Calcipotriol / Calcipotriene can make treated skin more sensitive to sun. Limit direct sunlight and avoid sunbeds. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. If symptoms of sun sensitivity or burning occur, consult a doctor.

Yes, you can apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to untreated skin to help lessen dryness and irritation. Use it after the medicine has been absorbed. If irritation continues, consult your doctor.

Articles

View All

References:

Explore More at Pharmeasy

Why trust PharmEasy?

# ONE OF INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

Leaf
CODAvailable
leaf
Leaf
100%Genuine Medicine
leaf
Leaf
30 DAYReturn Policy
leaf
heartHandMaking medicines affordable, authentic, and easily accessible across India
100% Genuine & verified medicines700+100% Genuine & verified medicines
Medicine orders everyday70,000+Medicine orders everyday
Total customer served70 MillionTotal customer served
Delivery hubs & fulfillment centre70 MillionDelivery hubs & fulfillment centre
Trained & trusted delivery partners7000Trained & trusted delivery partners
Our Payment Partners
https://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/gpay.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/paytm.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/amazon-pay.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/phonepe.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/mobikwik.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/airtel-money.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/ola-money.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/maestro.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/mastercard.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/visa.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/rupay.svghttps://assets.pharmeasy.in/web-assets/_next/icons/diners.svg