calcipotriene + betamethasone dipropionate

Taclonex is a topical fixed-dose combination of calcipotriene (a synthetic vitamin D3 analog) and betamethasone dipropionate (a potent synthetic corticosteroid). It is primarily indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Calcipotriene acts as a Vitamin D receptor agonist, regulating keratinocyte proliferation and inducing differentiation to normalize the epidermal changes characteristic of psoriasis. Betamethasone dipropionate acts as a glucocorticoid receptor agonist, providing anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects. The combination is designed to provide synergistic efficacy while potentially mitigating the skin-thinning effects associated with long-term steroid use. The University of Pittsburgh conducted an open-label Phase 4 clinical trial (NCT00861159) to evaluate the efficacy of adding Taclonex topical suspension to ongoing non-biologic systemic therapies, such as methotrexate or acitretin, in patients with stable plaque psoriasis.

Brand names

TaclonexEnstilarDaivobetDovobet

Other names

calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate