Calcipotriol, which also goes by the name calcipotriene, is a form of vitamin D3 that has a good deal of published research about its pharmacology, efficacy, tolerability, and use in treating psoriasis. In cream or ointment form (trade name Daivonex/Dovonex), calcipotriol by itself is as effective as other therapies such as betamethasone valerate cream or coal tar. It is used twice a day. (Sources: Journal of Dermatologic Treatment, June 2006, pages 327-337; and American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2001, volume 2, issue 2, pages 95-120.)
Vitamin D3 is not the same compound as the vitamin D found in most commercial vitamin supplements. Calcipotriene action inhibits cell proliferation and enhances cell differentiation in the skin of patients with psoriasis, but also appears to have effects on immunologic markers that are thought to play a role in the cause of psoriasis.
Calcipotriene is generally well tolerated in short – and long-term studies in adult patients, with the major side effect being irritation. In addition, calcipotriene ointment has proven beneficial in combination with other topical, phototherapy, or systemic antipsoriatic treatments, reducing the dosage and/or duration of some of these treatments and potentially improving their benefit/risk ratio. Calcipotriene ointment is valuable as a first – or second-line therapy option for the management of mild to moderate psoriasis and also in combination with other antipsoriatic agents for more severe psoriasis. Other forms of vitamin D3 creams include calcitriol and tacalitol.