TACALCITOL

Tacalcitol is a vitamin D-3 analogue which is available in Japan as a 2 mu g/g ointment for twice daily application and in Western markets a s a 4 mu g/g ointment for once daily application. Tacalcitol inhibits proliferation, and induces the differentiation, of keratinocytes. In a ddition, it appears to modulate inflammatory and immunological mediato rs in the skin which may be involved in the aetiology of psoriasis. No significant systemic drug absorption occurs after application of taca lcitol to the skin. Results of clinical trials indicate that topical t acalcitol is effective in the management of stable plaque psoriasis (a nd possibly pustular forms of the disease), and has a similar efficacy to topical betamethasone valerate in this setting. Application of tac alcitol ointment 4 mu g/g once daily for up to 8 weeks did not cause h ypercalcaemia or hypercalciuria. Mild local skin irritation has been r eported in a variable proportion of patients(less than or equal to 12% ).