Calcitriol ointment is used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body). Calcitriol ointment is in a class of medications called vitamin D analogs. It works by helping to stop the production of extra skin cells that may build up and form scales on the skin and by decreasing the activity of immune cells in the skin.

Calcitriol is available as a skin-applying ointment. Typically, it is administered twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Apply the calcitriol ointment every day at around the same times. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the calcitriol ointment directions properly. Do not use more, less, or more frequently than advised by your doctor. What dosage of ointment to use will be advised by your doctor. Use no more than one tube (100 gm) of calcitriol ointment per week in youngsters 2 to 6 years old. Use no more than two tubes (200 gm) of calcitriol ointment per week in adults and kids aged 7 and older.

On the skin areas afflicted by plaque psoriasis, apply calcitriol ointment. Applying calcitriol on the face, eyes, lips, vagina, or any other area of healthy skin is not advised. Avoid swallowing the medicine.

When the drug is completely absorbed, stop applying the ointment to the area of skin that is affected. Unless your doctor instructs you to do so, do not wrap a bandage around the area of skin where you applied calcitriol ointment. After using calcitriol ointment, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using calcitriol ointment,

• If you have an allergy to calcitriol, any other drugs, or any of the ingredients in calcitriol topical, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Incorporate any of the following: Supplements for calcium, vitamin D, or thiazide diuretics (often known as “water pills”) including chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, Oretic, numerous combination products), indapamide, and metolazone are all examples of dietary supplements (Zaroxolyn). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects. Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, even any not on this list, as many other drugs may also interact with calcitriol.
• Inform your doctor if you have kidney stones, have previously had kidney stones, or have any other conditions that may influence your blood’s calcium levels.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while taking calcitriol topical. Avoid applying calcitriol topically to the nipple and areola if you are breastfeeding while using it (the coloured area around each nipple).

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing plan, nevertheless, if it is almost time for the subsequent dose. To make up for a missing dose, do not apply additional ointment.

Side effects from topical calcitriol are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, consult your doctor right once:

• Skin discomfort or agony
• Itching

Using topical calcitriol may have additional negative effects. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from light, excessive heat, and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Avoid freezing or cooling calcitriol ointment.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call your local poison control centre at 1-800-222-1222 if someone ingests calcitriol ointment or uses too much of it. Dial 911 to contact the local emergency services if the sufferer has collapsed or has stopped breathing.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To determine how your body is responding to calcitriol ointment, your doctor may request specific lab tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.