Calcitriol and Tazarotene (combination)

The combination of calcitriol and tazarotene is a topical treatment used primarily for psoriasis. These two medications work through different mechanisms to reduce psoriatic symptoms, including scaling, plaque elevation, and erythema. Calcitriol is a vitamin D analogue that helps control excessive skin cell production[4]. It's the naturally occurring active form of vitamin D3 and is effective in treating mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Tazarotene is a topical retinoid that works by keeping skin pores clear and reducing inflammation[10]. It has synergistic effects when combined with other treatments, including vitamin D analogues like calcitriol[7]. Clinical studies have shown that the combination of these medications can be effective for treating mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. One study demonstrated that topical treatment with tazarotene 0.1% and calcitriol 0.003% was efficacious in treating mild-to-moderate stable plaque psoriasis (SPP) as both sequential and monotherapy treatments[2]. The combination can be applied in different ways: - Sequential treatment (tazarotene followed by calcitriol or vice versa) - Simultaneous application When used together, these medications show comparable efficacy to potent corticosteroids like clobetasol in reducing psoriatic scaling, plaque elevation, and overall lesional severity[1][6]. This makes them a valuable non-steroidal alternative for psoriasis treatment. Common side effects include: - Itching - Irritation - Burning sensation - Increased erythema However, studies suggest that calcitriol is generally better tolerated than other vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene, with less perilesional erythema, edema, and stinging/burning[6]. Both medications can be combined with UV treatment for enhanced efficacy[6]. Tazarotene should be avoided in patients who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant[7]. This combination represents an important non-steroidal approach to treating psoriasis, particularly valuable for patients who need to avoid long-term corticosteroid use.

Other names

Calcitriol/Tazarotene combination