Vectical

Generic name: Calcitriol (topical)
Brand names: Vectical
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Usage of Vectical

Vectical is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.

Vectical ointment is used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Vectical is not for use in treating severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness).

Vectical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Vectical ointment: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

blistering, or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated areas; or

worsened symptoms or no improvement in psoriasis.

Using Vectical can affect your body's ability to metabolize calcium. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), including:

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation;

increased thirst or urination;

lack of energy, feeling tired;

muscle weakness;

confusion; or

bone pain.

Common Vectical side effects may include:

calcium in your urine;

itching; or

abnormal lab tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Vectical

To make sure Vectical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

low or high levels of calcium in your blood;

a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance; or

if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Vectical should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Vectical

Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

Ointment: Apply to affected areas twice a day, morning and evening Maximum weekly dose: 200 grams Use: Treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

Ointment: 2 years and older: Apply to affected areas twice a day, morning and evening 2 to 6 years, maximum weekly dose: 100 grams 7 years and older, maximum weekly dose: 200 grams Use: Treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis

Warnings

You should not use Vectical ointment if you have a severe form of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness).

Before using Vectical, tell your doctor if you have low or high levels of calcium in your blood, a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance, or if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using to treat psoriasis. Also tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic (water pill) or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D.

Vectical ointment is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas. The ointment should not be applied to the face or the vaginal area.

Stop using Vectical and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as blistering or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated skin. Using this medicine can affect your body's ability to metabolize calcium. This can result in high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of this condition include nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

What other drugs will affect Vectical

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

other medicines to treat psoriasis;

vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D; or

a diuretic or "water pill" (such as Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ, Diovan HCT, Hyzaar, Maxzide, Tenoretic, Zestoretic, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Calcitriol topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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