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Davonex: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Davonex - General Information

Davonex (INN) or calcipotriene (USAN) is a sythetic derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D.

 

Pharmacology of Davonex

Calcipotriene is a synthetic analog of vitamin D. In humans, the natural supply of vitamin D depends mainly on exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the skin.

 

Davonex for patients

Patients using DOVONEX should receive the following information and instructions:

  1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the face or eyes. As with any topical medication, patients should wash hands after application.
  2. This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
  3. Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.
  4. Patients that apply Dovonex to exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc.).

 

Davonex Interactions

 

Davonex Contraindications

DOVONEX is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. It should not be used by patients with demonstrated hypercalcemia or evidence of vitamin D toxicity. DOVONEX should not be used on the face.

 

Additional information about Davonex

Davonex Indication: For the treatment of moderate plaque psoriasis in adults. Mechanism Of Action: The precise mechanism of calcipotriol in remitting psoriasis is not well-understood. However, it has been shown to have comparable affinity with calcitriol for the Vitamin D receptor, while being less than 1% as active as the calcitriol in regulating calcium metabolism. The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) belongs to the steroid/thyroid receptor superfamily, and is found on the cells of many different tissues including the thyroid, bone, kindney, and T cells of the immune system. T cells are known to play a role in psoriasis, and it is thought that the binding of calcipotriol to the VDR modulates the T cells gene transcription of cell differentiation and proliferation related genes. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Calcipotriol Synonyms: Calcipotriene Drug Category: Vitamin D3 Receptor inhibitor; Antipsoriatic Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Nutraceutical; Approved Other Brand Names containing Calcipotriol: Dovonex; Davonex; Absorption: Clinical studies with radiolabeled ointment indicate that approximately 6% (+3%, SD) of the applied dose of calcipotriene is absorbed systemically when the ointment is applied topically to psoriasis plaques or 5% (+2.6%, SO) when applied to normal skin. Toxicity (Overdose): Topically applied calcipotriene can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Elevated serum calcium has been observed with excessive use of calcipotriene. Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Hepatic. Calcipotriene metabolism following systemic uptake is rapid, and occurs via a similar pathway to the natural hormone. The primary metabolites are much less potent than the parent compound. Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of Davonex: Cream TopicalOintment TopicalShampoo Topical Chemical IUPAC Name: (1R,3S,5Z)-5-[(2E)-2-[(1R,3aS,7aR)-1-[(E,2R)-5-cyclopropyl-5-hydroxypent-3-en-2-yl]-7a-methyl-2,3,3a,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-inden-4-ylidene]ethylidene]-4-methylidenecyclohexane-1,3-diol Chemical Formula: C27H40O3 Calcipotriol on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcipotriol Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals