Vectical : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Why is this medication prescribed?

Vectical (Calcitriol Topical) is used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form in some areas of the body) in adults and children over 2 years of age. Vectical (Calcitriol Topical) is in a class of drugs called vitamin D analogs. It works by helping to stop the production of extra skin cells that can build up and flake on the skin, and by decreasing the activity of immune cells in the skin.

How should this medicine be used?

Vectical (Calcitriol Topical) comes as an ointment to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and at night. Apply Vectical ointment at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand. Apply Vectical ointment exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less or apply more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how much ointment to apply. In children 2 to 6 years old, do not use more than one tube (100 g) of Vectical ointment per week. In adults and children 7 years and older, use no more than two tubes (200 g) of Vectical ointment per week.

Apply a Vectical ointment to the skin areas affected by plaque psoriasis. Do not apply Vectical ointment to healthy skin or anywhere on your face, eyes, lips, or vagina. Do not take the medicine.

Apply the ointment to the affected skin and gently rub the ointment into the skin until no medicine is seen. Do not cover the skin where you applied the Vectical ointment with a bandage or dressing, unless your doctor tells you to. Wash your hands well with soap and water after applying the Vectical ointment.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using Vectical,

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Vectical, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Vectical. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: calcium supplements; vitamin D supplements; or thiazide diuretics (‘water pills’) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, Oretic, many combination products), indapamide, and metolazone (Zaroxolyn). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects. Many other medications can also interact with Vectical, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney stones or any condition that affects the level of calcium in your blood.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using Vectical, call your doctor. If you are breastfeeding while using Vectical, do not apply it directly to the nipple and areola (the colored area around each nipple).

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for a forgotten dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Vectical may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

  • skin pain or discomfort
  • itching

Vectical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medicine.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze or refrigerate Vectical ointment.

It is important to keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children, since many containers (such as those containing weekly pills and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not resistant to children and small children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately place the medicine in a safe place, one that is upright and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in special ways to ensure they cannot be consumed by pets, children, and others. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medications is through a drug take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage / recycling department to find out about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA Safe Drug Disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of emergency/overdose

If someone ingests Vectical ointment or applies too much ointment, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has passed out or is not breathing, call your local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to Vectical.

Don’t let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Names

  • Vectical®

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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