Calcipotriol, also known as calcipotriene, is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D.
Trade name Dovonex.
It is used in the treatment of psoriasis, and vitiligo.
Routes of administratio- Topical administration
Bioavailability 5 to 6%
Metabolism
Liver
Excretion
It is also available with the synthetic corticosteroids.
Chronic plaque psoriasis is the chief medical use and has also been used successfully in the treatment of alopecia areata, and vitiligo.
Cautions include exposure to excessive natural or artificial light, due to the potential for calcipotriol to cause photosensitivity.
Adverse effects
Common:
Very common (> 10% frequency)
Burning
Itchiness
Skin irritation
Common (1–10% frequency)
Dermatitis
Dry skin
Erythema
Peeling
Worsening of psoriasis
Rash
Uncommon (0.1–1% frequency)
Exacerbation of psoriasis
Rare (< 0.1% frequency)
Allergic contact dermatitis
Hypercalcaemia
Photosensitivity
Changes in pigmentation
Skin atrophy
No drug interactions are known.
Calcipotriol has affinity with calcitriol for the vitamin D receptor (VDR), while being less than 1% as active as the calcitriol in regulating calcium metabolism.
T cells are known to play a role in psoriasis, and it is thought that the binding of calcipotriol to the VDR modulates the T cells gene transcription of cell differentiation and proliferation related genes.
As psoriasis is typically thought to be partially driven by Th1/Th17 inflammatory cytokines, calcipotriol treatment at appropriate concentrations may alleviate psoriasis symptoms by repressing Th1/Th17 inflammation through TSLP production, which is linked to a Th2 response.
After application and systemic uptake, calcipotriol undergoes rapid hepatic metabolism to calcitroic acid.