What is calcitriol (topical)?
Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.
Calcitriol topical (for the skin) is used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the
skin) in adults.
Calcitriol topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcitriol (topical)?
You should not use this medication if you have a severe form of psoriasis (with pus, skin
peeling, severe redness).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before using calcitriol topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
-
low or high levels of calcium in your blood;
-
a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance; or
-
if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for
your psoriasis.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before using calcitriol topical, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if calcitriol topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on anyone younger than 18 years old, even if they have the same
symptoms or psoriasis that you have.
How should I take calcitriol (topical)?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Calcitriol topical is usually applied once in the morning and once in the evening. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.
Apply a thin layer of the medication and rub it in completely.
Calcitriol topical is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas.
Calcitriol topical should not be applied to the face or the vaginal area.
Do not cover treated skin areas unless your doctor has told you to.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the
medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of calcitriol (topical)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about calcitriol (topical)?
Your pharmacist has information about calcitriol (topical) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of calcitriol (topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using calcitriol topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
-
blistering, or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated
areas; or
-
worsened symptoms or no improvement in psoriasis.
Using calcitriol topical can affect your body's ability to metabolize
calcium. This can result in high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of this
condition include nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness,
confusion, and feeling tired or restless. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include mild itching or skin discomfort.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about calcitriol (topical)?
You should not use this medication if you have a severe form of psoriasis (with pus, skin
peeling, severe redness).
Before using calcitriol topical, tell your doctor if you have low or high levels of calcium in your
blood, a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance, or if you are receiving UV light treatments
(phototherapy) for your psoriasis.
Also tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using to treat psoriasis. Also tell your
doctor if you are taking a diuretic (water pill) or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or
vitamin D.
Calcitriol topical is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas.
Calcitriol topical should not be applied to the face or the vaginal area.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as
blistering or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated skin.
Using calcitriol topical can affect your body's ability to metabolize calcium. This can result
in high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of this condition include nausea, loss
of appetite, constipation, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired
or restless. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking calcitriol (topical)?
Avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning
beds). Calcitriol topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth, or on your lips. If it does get into any
of these areas, rinse with water.
What other drugs will affect calcitriol (topical)?
Before using calcitriol topical, tell your doctor if you are also using:
-
other medicines to treat psoriasis;
-
vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or
vitamin D; or
-
a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril),
hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic),
chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and
others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
calcitriol topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of calcitriol (topical)?