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Vitamin D analogue / Antipsoriatic Pregnancy: Safety in human pregnancy not established (animal reproductive toxicity with oral dosing); should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Caution when breast-feeding; do not apply to the breast.

Calcipotriol

Brand names: Dovonex, Dovobet (with betamethasone)

Calcipotriol is a topical vitamin D analogue used, alone or combined with a topical corticosteroid, for chronic plaque psoriasis.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Apply to the affected area
Route: Topical (cutaneous)
Frequency: Once or twice daily (twice daily for maximum benefit)
Max: Maximum weekly dose should not exceed 100 g of ointment (equivalent to 5 mg calcipotriol)
Plaque psoriasis (Dovonex Ointment). When cream, ointment or cutaneous solution are applied together, the total dose of calcipotriol should not exceed 5 mg per week. Do not apply to the face; wash hands after each application to avoid transfer to face/eyes. Avoid excessive natural or artificial UV exposure. Avoid in guttate, erythrodermic, exfoliative and pustular psoriasis (lack of data) and in severe liver or kidney disease.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients
  • Known disorders of calcium metabolism (due to the content of calcipotriol)

Side effects

  • Pruritus, skin irritation and erythema (most frequently reported)
  • Psoriasis aggravated, dermatitis, skin exfoliation, skin burning sensation (common)
  • Application site pain (common)
  • Folliculitis; rash; dry skin (uncommon)
  • Hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria (rare; risk increases if recommended total dose exceeded)

Interactions

  • No interaction studies have been performed with this product

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds vitamin D receptors in keratinocytes to inhibit their proliferation and promote normal differentiation, reducing the scaling and thickness of psoriatic plaques.

Prescribing in practice

  • Excessive use can cause hypercalcaemia, so observe the maximum recommended weekly amount and avoid widespread or prolonged overuse.
  • It can cause local irritation, particularly on the face and flexures, where its use should generally be avoided or undertaken cautiously.
  • Combination products with a corticosteroid improve efficacy and reduce calcipotriol-related irritation.

Monitoring

Routine monitoring is not usually needed within recommended limits, but consider checking serum calcium if large amounts are used.

Counselling the patient

  • Do not exceed the recommended amount each week.
  • Wash your hands after applying unless the hands are being treated, and avoid using on the face unless advised.
  • Some local irritation can occur; report if it is troublesome.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriol are recommended in NICE guidance as first-line treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis.

Reference: BAD Psoriasis Guidelines; NICE NG110 Psoriasis; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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