Efficacy and safety of agents containing betamethasone dipropionate and calcipotriol in topical therapy of psoriasis

Glucocorticosteroids and vitamin D analogues are the most widely used topical agents in the treatment of psoriasis. Betamethasone dipropionate and calcipotriol in fixed-dose combination act synergistically on the pathogenesis of psoriasis, exerting both, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative effects. Two-compound products are the most effective drugs among all topical anti-psoriasis agents; they are also very convenient in everyday use and well tolerated. For this reasons the Polish Dermatological Society recommends this agents as first-line treatment option in patients with scalp, glabrous skin and palmo-plantar psoriasis. Data from clinical trials provide evidence about safety and effectiveness of these two-compound products in long-term psoriasis management. Recently, a new formulation was marketed – a fixed-dose foam, which acts even stronger than previous products. In this review we present data justifying the use of betamethasone dipropionate/calcipotriol agents in the treatment of psoriasis, emphasizing their mode of action, efficacy and safety.