Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical solution
- 0.005% (generic)
topical ointment
- 0.005% (generic)
topical cream
- 0.005% (Dovonex, generic)
topical foam
- 0.005% (Sorilux)
Plaque Psoriasis
Ointment/Cream
- Indicated for plaque psoriasis
- Apply a thin layer of cream BID to affected area
- Safety and efficacy have been established in patients treated for 8 weeks
Solution
- Indicated for chronic, moderately severe psoriasis of the scalp
- Apply solution BID to affected area
- Safety and efficacy have been established in patients treated for 8 weeks
Foam
- Indicated for plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body for patients ≥12 years
- Apply a thin layer of foam BID to affected area
Dosing Considerations
Limitation of use
- Safety and efficacy in dermatoses other than psoriasis have not been established
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical foam
- 0.005% (Sorilux)
Plaque Psoriasis
Indicated for plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body
<4 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥4 years: Apply a thin layer of foam BID to affected area
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Adverse Effects
>10%
Burning
Itching
Skin irritation
1-10%
Dermatitis
Dry skin
Erythema
Peeling
Worsening of psoriasis including facial/scalp
Rash
<1%
Folliculitis
Hypercalcemia
Hyperpigmentation
Skin atrophy
Postmarketing Reports
Contact dermatitis, including allergic contact dermatitis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Hypercalcemia
Evidence of vitamin D toxicity
Topical use on the face
Cautions
Transient, rapidly reversible elevations of serum calcium has occurred; if serum calcium is above normal levels during therapy, discontinue treatment
For cream only: Contact dermatitis (eg, allergic contact dermatitis) has been observed
Flammability
- Foam contains a flammable propellant; advise patients to avoid fire, flames, and smoking during and immediately following application
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
No data available on drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes in pregnant women exposed to calcipotriene
Foam: Systemic exposure to calcipotriene is likely to be low
Animal data
- In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of calcipotriene to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in an increased minor skeletal abnormalities, including enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs in rats and an increased incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities, including incomplete ossification of pubic bones and forelimb phalanges in rabbits
Lactation
There are no data on the presence of topically administered calcipotriene in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production
After topical administration, plasma concentrations of calcipotriene are low, and therefore, concentrations in human milk are likely to be low
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
In vitro evidence suggests drug is roughly equipotent to natural vitamin D in its effects on proliferation & differentiation of various cell types
Absorption
Absorption: 5-6% systemically
Metabolism
Metabolism: converted to inactive metabolites within 24 hr
Excretion
Excretion: bile
Administration
Topical Administration
For topical use only
Not for ophthalmic, oral or intravaginal use
Avoid contact with face and eyes
Wash hands after applying foam, cream, or solution
Cream or ointment: Apply a thin layer of cream to affected area and gently rub in completely
Foam
- Apply a thin layer of foam to affected area and gently rub in completely
- Apply to the scalp when hair is dry
- Avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and immediately following application
Solution
- Comb hair to remove scaly debris and after suitably parting, apply solution only to the lesions, and gently rub in completely, taking care to prevent the solution spreading onto the forehead
Storage
Cream/ointment: Store at room temperature 15- 25°C (59-77°F); do not freeze
Solution: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)
Foam
- Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F); flammable
- Contents under pressure
- Do not puncture or incinerate
- Do not refrigerate or freeze
- Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures >120°F (49°C)
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Patient Handout
Formulary
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