Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 19, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Vectical
Available Dosage Forms:
- Ointment
Therapeutic Class: Antipsoriatic
Pharmacologic Class: Vitamin D Analog
Uses for calcitriol
Calcitriol topical ointment is used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, which is a skin disease with red patches and white scales that do not go away. Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D.
Calcitriol is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using calcitriol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For calcitriol, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to calcitriol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of calcitriol topical in children 2 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of calcitriol topical in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking calcitriol, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are t...
