Article by Pham Thi Kim Dung, BPharm, MSc- Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy - Vinmec International Clinic Times City Hospital
Daivobet ointment is a medication used to treat psoriasis, which has the effects of differentiation and inhibition of keratinocytes. Despite being a topical application, patients should be well-informed about the drug before use.
1. Components and uses of the Medication
The symptoms of psoriasis are caused by the excessive proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, associated with dysregulation of the immune response, and inflammation of the epidermis and dermis.
Daivobet contains, per 1 gram of ointment:
- Calcipotriol 50 μg (as hydrate 52.2 μg): This substance is structurally similar to vitamin D3. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the vitamin D3 receptor, inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation, and promoting keratinocyte differentiation in the skin.
- Betamethasone 0.5 mg (as dipropionate 0.643 mg): A synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
2. Indications for Daivobet Ointment
Topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
2.1 Contraindications for Daivobet Ointment
The medication is contraindicated in patients with:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
- Erythrodermic, exfoliative, and pustular psoriasis.
- Calcium metabolism disorders.
- The following skin conditions: viral skin lesions (such as herpes and varicella), fungal or bacterial skin infections, parasitic infections, skin manifestations related to tuberculosis, perioral dermatitis, skin atrophy, striae (stretch marks), cutaneous vascular fragility, itching, acne vulgaris, rosacea, facial flushing, ulcers, and scars.
- Severe renal or hepatic failure.
2.2 Dosage and Administration of Daivobet Ointment:
Dosage:
- Apply the medication to the affected skin once daily.
- The recommended treatment duration is 4 weeks. If continuation or resumption of treatment after 4 weeks is necessary, re-examination and consultation with a doctor are required.
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 15 grams.
- If the patient is concurrently using other medications containing calcipotriol for the treatment of psoriasis, the dosage of the medications should be balanced so that the total amount of calcipotriol in all medications does not exceed 15 g/day.
- The treated body surface area should not exceed 30%.
- Daivobet is not recommended for use in individuals under 18 years of age.
Instructions and Precautions:
- Wash hands before and after use (unless the medication is being used to treat the hands). Avoid accidental spread to other parts of the body.
- Avoid applying the medication to: large areas of damaged skin, skin folds such as the groin, the vulva, the face, inside the mouth, nose, or eyes. Avoid occlusive dressings after application.
- For optimal effect, it is recommended not to bathe immediately after use.
- During treatment, patients should limit or avoid excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight.
- There is insufficient safety data on the use of this medication in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so consult a doctor before use in these cases.
3. Potential Side Effects of Daivobet Ointment
Adverse reactions that may occur during the use of Daivobet ointment include:
- Local application site reactions: itching, skin irritation, burning sensation, tingling, dry skin, redness, dermatitis, eczema, exacerbation of psoriasis, photosensitivity, and angioedema.
- Reactions due to prolonged use related to betamethasone, the corticosteroid in the medication, include: skin atrophy, telangiectasia, striae, folliculitis, hyperpigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, hypopigmentation, milia.
- Overdose may lead to hypercalcemia, with symptoms such as constipation, muscle weakness, and coma. These symptoms will quickly subside once the medication is discontinued.
- Patients should discontinue the medication and inform their physician if they experience any adverse drug reactions.
- This is important information about Daivobet ointment. Patients should carefully read the instructions before use and seek advice from their doctor or pharmacist for appropriate recommendations based on their specific condition.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
