Last update May 16, 2026

Calcipotriol

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

A synthetic analogue of vitamin D3, similar to calcitriol. It is applied topically once or twice a day for the treatment of psoriasis.

As of the date of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Given its low absorption, plasma levels are undetectable or very low (AEMPS 2018), so it is unlikely that significant amounts will pass into milk.

It is also a derivative of vitamin D3 with little effect on calcium metabolism. No significant alterations in serum calcium levels have been observed, provided the maximum recommended doses of 10,000 IU/day or 20% of body surface area are adhered to. (Gottlieb 2019, Barret 2013)

For all these reasons, there is expert consensus that the use of calcipotriol is safe during breastfeeding (Yaghi 2024, Koh 2019, Gottlieb 2019, Butler 2014, Barret 2013, Leachman 2006) and that it may even be applied to the nipple if necessary. (Barrett 2013)

It is recommended to clean the breast before breastfeeding to prevent transfer via skin-to-skin contact, and to prefer cream or gel formulations over ointments to avoid oral absorption of paraffin (mineral oil).(Noti 2003, Concin 2008).

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Calcipotriol since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Calcipotriol is also known as


Calcipotriol in other languages or writings:

Group

Calcipotriol belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Calcipotriol in its composition:

  • Betriol™. Contains other elements than Calcipotriol in its composition
  • Cortcal™. Contains other elements than Calcipotriol in its composition
  • Cutanit
  • Daivobet™. Contains other elements than Calcipotriol in its composition
  • Daivonex
  • Dovobet™. Contains other elements than Calcipotriol in its composition
  • Dovonex
  • Eukadar
  • Prenamid™. Contains other elements than Calcipotriol in its composition
  • Psorcutan
  • Psotriol™. Contains other elements than Calcipotriol in its composition
  • Sorilux
  • Wynzora™. Contains other elements than Calcipotriol in its composition
  • Zoriaxiol

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. Derm: < 5 %
Molecular weight 413 daltons
Protein Binding 64 %
5 - 6 hours

References

  1. Yaghi M, McMullan P, Truong TM, Rothe M, Murase J, Grant-Kels JM. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: An update-Part II: Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Oct;91(4):651-668. Abstract
  2. Koh YP, Tian EA, Oon HH. New changes in pregnancy and lactation labelling: Review of dermatologic drugs. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019 May 16;5(4):216-226. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. Gottlieb AB, Ryan C, Murase JE. Clinical considerations for the management of psoriasis in women. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019 Apr 10;5(3):141-150. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  4. AEMPS. Calcipotriol. Ficha técnica. 2018 Full text (in our servers)
  5. Leo. Calcipotriene (Dovonex). Drug Summary. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Mar;70(3):417.e1-10; quiz 427. Abstract
  7. Barrett ME, Heller MM, Fullerton Stone H, Murase JE. Dermatoses of the breast in lactation. Dermatol Ther. 2013 Abstract
  8. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B, Tomovski C, Fiselier K, Gerritzen K, Fessler S, Windbichler G, Zeimet A, Ulmer H, Siegl H, Rieger K, Concin H, Grob K. Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Abstract
  9. Leachman SA, Reed BR. The use of dermatologic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Dermatol Clin. 2006 Abstract
  10. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, Deiss U, Brüschweiler BJ. Exposure of babies to C15-C45 mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003 Abstract

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