Tacalcitol
About Tacalcitol
Tacalcitol belongs to the class of medications called ‘antipsoriatics’ used in the treatment of psoriasis Vulgaris in adults. Psoriasis Vulgaris is an autoimmune (immune system attacks healthy cells) skin disorder in which the skin becomes scaly, swelled up, and itchy. It mostly affects the knee, elbows, scalp, and trunk. It is a lifelong condition, and treatment is given to remove affected skin cells and avoid flare-ups of the disease.
Tacalcitol contains Tacalcitol. It is a vitamin D derivative (vitamin D is essential for healthy skin). It slows down the production of skin cells, thereby decreasing inflammation, improving symptoms, and delaying the progression of the disease.
You should use this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of Tacalcitol are redness, itching, and burning sensation at the application site. These side-effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side-effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Tacalcitol if you are allergic to any of its contents, have high levels of calcium level in the blood (hyperkalemia), or have calcium metabolism disorders. Tacalcitol is not recommended for use in children. It should be used with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly people. Tacalcitol may not interact with alcohol and may not affect your driving.
Uses of Tacalcitol
Medicinal Benefits
Tacalcitol is used in the treatment of psoriasis in adults, especially on the scalp. It can be used on all parts of the body including the face, hairline, armpits, elbows, and knees. It can slow down the progression of the disease. It can improve symptoms and make the skin appear normal. It can reduce inflammation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tacalcitol
- Skin redness
- Itching
- Burning sensation
Drug Warnings
Before using Tacalcitol, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, generalised pustular psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis in which pus-filled blisters are seen on the entire body), erythrodermic exfoliative psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis characterised by deep red peeling rashes all over the body), and been taking high doses of vitamin D. Tacalcitol increases the risk of burns, so do not go near naked flames while using this medicine. Wash the fabric, such as clothing, bedding, and dressings, that has been in contact with the medicine as the fabric burns more easily, and washing can reduce this risk. Inform your doctor if you are taking ultraviolet (UV) therapy for psoriasis. In such cases, UV therapy should be taken in the morning, and Tacalcitol should be used at bedtime. Tacalcitol contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tacalcitol should not be used along with medicines containing vitamin D (multivitamins and vitamin D) as this medicine may increase calcium levels in the body.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tacalcitol should not be used in patients with hyperkalemia (high calcium levels in the blood). It should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, generalised pustular psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis in which pus-filled blisters are seen on the entire body), and erythrodermic exfoliative psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis characterised by deep red peeling rashes all over the body).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedTacalcitol may not interact with alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Tacalcitol can cause harm to the unborn baby. So, please consult your doctor for further advice.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Tacalcitol can cause harm to the nursing baby. However, the doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while using this medicine. Please consult your doctor for further advice.
Driving
safe if prescribedTacalcitol may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedTacalcitol is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionTacalcitol should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeTacalcitol is not recommended for use in children as safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
- Avoid consumption of foods with excess sugar as it may flare-up inflammation.
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and fish in your diet.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may check calcium levels in the blood if necessary, before prescribing Tacalcitol.
- Avoid Tacalcitol contact with eyes. If the medicine gets into the eyes accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis Vulgaris: Psoriasis Vulgaris is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by red, itchy, and scaly rashes. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. In this condition, skin cells grow and buildup rapidly resulting in scaly rashes mostly on knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk. Stress and cold can act as triggers to this disease. It is a chronic disease and doesn’t have a permanent cure. Treatment is given to control the disease and prevent flare-ups. Light therapy, medicines and topical creams or ointments are generally used to treat this condition.
FAQs
Tacalcitol is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It contains Tacalcitol which is a vitamin D derivative (vitamin D is essential for healthy skin). It slows down the production of skin cells, thereby decreasing inflammation, improving symptoms, and delaying the progression of the disease.
The common side-effects of Tacalcitol are redness, itching, and burning sensation at the application site. These side-effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side-effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
Tacalcitol is preferably taken at bedtime. However, please consult your doctor for further advice.
If you are receiving ultraviolet (UV) therapy for the treatment of psoriasis, it is recommended to take UV therapy in the morning and use Tacalcitol in the nighttime. Do not go near naked flames after applying for this medicine. Wash the clothing and bedding and dispose of dressings as the fabric that comes in contact with this medicine can burn easily. Do not take vitamin D supplements or multivitamins while using this medicine without discussing it with your doctor.
In general, Tacalcitol is used to treat psoriasis Vulgaris, which is a common type of psoriasis characterized by red and scaly patches on the skin. It may or may not be used to treat other types of psoriasis. So, it is necessary to consult your doctor before using Tacalcitol for any condition.
