Which medications in the drug class Vitamin D Analogs are used in the treatment of Psoriasis?

Answer

Vitamin D Analogs

Vitamin D analogs are used in patients with lesions resistant to topical therapy or with lesions on the face or exposed areas where thinning of the skin would pose cosmetic problems. These come as ointments, solutions, and foams. The latter two are especially useful for scalp treatments.

Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)

Calcitriol is a topical vitamin D analog similar to calcipotriene but seems to be less irritating in sensitive areas of skin.

Calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux, Calcitrene)

Calcipotriene is a synthetic vitamin D-3 analog that regulates skin cell production and development. It is used in the treatment of moderate plaque psoriasis. This treatment does not cause long-term skin thinning or systemic effects. Sorilux is a newer foam version of this medication.

Calcipotriene/betamethasone (Enstilar, Taclonex Ointment, Taclonex Topical Suspension)

Calcipotriene is a synthetic vitamin D-3 analog that regulates skin cell production and development. It inhibits epidermal proliferation, promotes keratinocyte differentiation, and has immunosuppressive effects on lymphoid cells. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability. The combination is available as a topical ointment, foam, or as a solution that can be applied to the body or scalp. The products contain calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064%.

The combination product is quite expensive and the same results may be obtained by using a generic corticosteroid sequentially in combination with one of the other vitamin D analog products.

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Media Gallery

Plaque psoriasis is raised, roughened, and covered with white or silver scale with underlying erythema. Contributed by Randy Park, MD.
Guttate psoriasis erupted in this patient after topical steroid therapy was withdrawn during a pregnancy. Contributed by Randy Park, MD.
Plaque psoriasis is most common on the extensor surfaces of the knees and elbows. Contributed by Randy Park, MD.
Nail psoriasis. Pits, distal onycholysis (nail separation), and brownish staining ("oil spots") are classic nail findings
Inverse psoriasis. Occurring in skin folds, this will often lack the scale seen in other locations.
Pustular psoriasis of the soles. This may be confined to the hands and feet (Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallepeau) or may be part of a generalized pustular psoriasis (Von Zumbusch disease)

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Author

Jacquiline Habashy, DO, MSc Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Jacquiline Habashy, DO, MSc is a member of the following medical societies: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

David T Robles, MD, PhD, FAAD Director, Dermatology Division, Chaparral Medical Group

David T Robles, MD, PhD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD.

Additional Contributors

Jeffrey Meffert, MD † Former Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Robert Arffa, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Robert Arffa, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology