Topical application of calcipotriene and corticosteroids: combination regimens.
BACKGROUND
Side effects of topical corticosteroids limit their long-term use. Calcipotriene/calcipotriol (Dovonex/Daivonex) ointment is not associated with any of the side effects of corticosteroids and has been shown to thicken the skin in contrast to the cutaneous atrophy caused by topical steroids.


OBJECTIVE
We attempted to determine whether the addition of calcipotriene to a regimen of topical steroids results in an improved benefit/risk ratio.


METHODS
Published and unpublished data on combination regimens were reviewed.


RESULTS
In long-term regimens for psoriasis, substituting calcipotriene for topical corticosteroids may result in a steroid-sparing effect. Conversely, topical corticosteroids may suppress the development of local cutaneous irritation that occurs in patients treated with calcipotriene ointment.


CONCLUSIONS
Psoriasis regimens combining calcipotriene ointment with superpotent steroids such as halobetasol ointment can result in greater improvement and fewer side effects.
Lebwohl
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical Centre, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA.
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001284:Atrophy; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000517:prevention & control; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009824:Ointments; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012306:Risk; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007509:Irritants; D009824:Ointments; C055085:calcipotriene; C064466:halobetasol; D002990:Clobetasol; D002117:Calcitriol