Table 1. Topical Agents for Psoriasis for Adults
| Agent | Hydrocortisone 1%[4] [12] | Calcipotriene 0.005% (Dovonex® cream)[12] | Tazarotene 0.05%, 0.1% (available in cream and gel) (Tazorac®)[12] | Calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% (Taclonex® ointment)[12] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dosage | Apply thin layer to affected area once or twice daily | Apply thin layer to affected area twice daily | Recommended to start with 0.05% strength. Apply thin film to affected area once daily. With gel, apply thin layer at night to a maximum 20% body surface area. | Apply to affected area once daily for up to 4 weeks. Maximum weekly dose should not exceed 100 g. Treatment to more than 30% of body surface area is not recommended. |
| Estimated Cost per gram | $1.07[13] | $5.61[14] | $6.30[15] | $12.17[15] |
| Adverse Effects (list not exhaustive)[12] | Long-term use can result in loss of effectiveness of drug and skin thinning | Skin irritation, rash, pruritus, dermatitis, worsening of psoriasis | Burning/stinging, pruritus, erythema, worsening of psoriasis, skin pain and irritation | Folliculitis, burning sensation of the skin |
| Efficacy | Mild plaque psoriasis | Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis | Plaque psoriasis | Plaque psoriasis |
| Special Notes[12] | Available over-the-counter | Vitamin D3 derivative | Retinoid. Contraindicated in pregnancy. |
Vitamin D3 derivative plus topical steroid. Also available as suspension. |
Medscape Dermatology © 2017 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Advances in Psoriasis Research and Side-by-Side Treatment Review - Medscape - May 31, 2017.
