PSORCUTAN ® is a Calcipotriol based drug
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antipsoriatics for topical use
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications PSORCUTAN ® Calcipotriol
PSORCUTAN ® is indicated for the topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, while the cutaneous formulation of psoriasis of the scalp is also used.
Mechanism of action PSORCUTAN ® Calcipotriol
The Calcipotriol, active ingredient of PSORCUTAN ®, is a synthetic derivative of vitamin D3 endowed with the same activity of action but with different pharmacokinetic properties, able to support the activity of the drug following its topical application.
Equipped therefore with a hormonal-like action, the Calcipotriol easily penetrates the plasma membrane of keratinocytes reaching specific nuclear receptors, endowed with epigenetic capacities.
In fact, the interaction with these receptors determines a process of reprogramming of gene expression, which takes the form of inhibition of the keratinocyte proliferation process, induction of apoptosis and recovery of cell differentiation processes; compromised characteristics in case of psoriasis.
The very low systemic absorption makes the therapy safe, avoiding the risk of side effects such as hypercalcaemia which are usually associated with systemic therapy with analogues of vitamin D.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
CALCIPOTRIOLO + BETAMETASONE IN THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS
Clin Lab. 2013; 59 (3-4): 277-82.
Recent study that shows how the association between Calcipotriol and Betamethasone can be decidedly more effective than monoterapies in reducing the concentration of Beta defensin 2, a systemic marker of psoriasis.
CALCIPOTRIOLO AND APOPTOSIS
Int J Dermatol. 2007 May; 46 (5): 468-74.
Molecular study that demonstrates how treatment with Calcipotriol can determine a reprogramming of gene expression with the control of the apoptotic process mediated by the balancing Bcl-2, P53, in favor of the programmed death of keratinocytes and lymphocytes.
CALCIPOTRIOLO AND PSORIASI DELLE UNGHIE
Dermatology. 2009; 218 (4): 338-41. doi: 10.1159 / 000202179. Epub 2009 Feb 12.
Clinical trial demonstrating how the use of Betamethasone and Calcipotriol can be effective in the treatment of nail psoriasis, guaranteeing a clear improvement of the clinic in just 12 weeks of treatment.
Method of use and dosage
PSORCUTAN ®
Cream and cutaneous solution of 5 mcg of Calcipotriol for gr or ml of product.
Generally it is recommended to apply the cream or ointment directly on the skin or scalp lesions, twice a day after having thoroughly cleaned and dried the region.
The duration of treatment that should be defined by the doctor and possibly adapted to the patient's clinical needs should not exceed 22 weeks.
Warnings PSORCUTAN ® Calcipotriol
Although the systemic absorption of the drug is negligible, the patient receiving PSORCUTAN ® should follow a series of useful indications to limit the incidence of side effects.
Avoid the application of the drug on particularly large or frankly damaged skin regions, respect the dosages defined by the doctor, carefully cleanse the hands after the treatment, avoid exposure to the sun's rays in the treated region are just some of the most important precautions that the patient under therapy with PSORCUTAN ® should respect.
Furthermore, given the absence of studies able to test the efficacy and safety of calcipotriol in children, it would be advisable to avoid the use of this drug in pediatric patients.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The aforementioned contraindications would also extend to pregnancy and the subsequent breastfeeding period, given the lack of studies able to characterize the safety profile of the Calcipotriol on the fetus and infant.
Interactions
The patient receiving PSORCUTAN ® should avoid the application of other products topically in the same treated skin area.
Contraindications PSORCUTAN ® Calcipotriol
The use of PSORCUTAN ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients, in patients with altered calcium metabolism, in the forms of guttate, erythrodermic, exfoliative and pustular psoriasis and in patients suffering from severe hepatic impairment and renal.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
Topical use of Calcipotriol could lead to the appearance of local adverse reactions such as itching, irritation, burning sensation, erythema, eczematous reactions and dermatitis.
Fortunately, these reactions regress spontaneously once the therapy is suspended.
Clinically relevant side effects are far rarer.
Note
PSORCUTAN ® is a prescription-only drug.
