Uses of Xamiol

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Xamiol, composed of Calcipotriol and Betamethasone dipropionate, is indicated for the topical treatment of scalp psoriasis. The following article discusses its indications, dosage, and precautions to ensure effective use.

1. What is Xamiol?

Xamiol contains the following active ingredients and concentrations:

• Calcipotriol 50 mcg, a vitamin D analogue that regulates epidermal cell turnover by suppressing keratinocyte hyperproliferation and differentiation.
• Betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg, a topical corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects, commonly used in dermatological conditions.
• Xamiol is available as a topical formulation in 15g tubes per package.

Indications:

• Xamiol is indicated for topical treatment of scalp psoriasis.

Xamiol is contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to any active or inactive ingredients of Xamiol.
• Calcium metabolism disorders, due to the presence of calcipotriol in the formulation.
• Viral skin infections (e.g., Herpes simplex, Varicella), fungal infections, or bacterial skin infections, due to the corticosteroid component.
• Parasitic infections, cutaneous manifestations of tuberculosis or syphilis.
• Perioral dermatitis, skin atrophy, venous stasis dermatosis, ichthyosis, acne, rosacea, open ulcers, or wounds.
• Guttate psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, or pustular psoriasis.
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment.

2. Administration and dosage of Xamiol

Administration:

• Xamiol is for topical application only.
• Apply a small amount of Xamiol to the affected area of the scalp, spreading a thin layer over the psoriatic lesion. Gently massage into the skin.
• Do not wash your hair immediately after application.
• Wash hands thoroughly after applying to prevent accidental contact with the face or eyes, which may irritate.
• If symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks or worsen (e.g., pus formation, lesion expansion), discontinue use and consult a physician.

Dosage:

• Dose: 1–4g per application (4g ≈ 1 teaspoon), with a maximum of 15g/day and 100g/week. Treatment area should not exceed 30% of the body surface.
• Application: Apply once daily to the affected scalp areas for 4 weeks.
• After application: Leave the medication on the scalp throughout the day and overnight.
• Missed dose: Apply as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue as per the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate.

3. Adverse effects of Xamiol

Adverse effects associated with taking of Xamiol include:

• Common: Itching, skin folds, and photophobia.
• Uncommon: Burning sensation, skin pain or irritation, dry skin, redness, eczema, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, dermatitis, erythema, acne, worsening of psoriasis, rash, pustular rash, loss of skin pigmentation, papular rash, and eye irritation.
• Rare: Hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and infections.

4. Precautions when taking Xamiol

The patients need to cautious when taking Xamiol: 

• Xamiol contains Betamethasone dipropionate, a high-potency corticosteroid. Concomitant use with other topical steroids on the scalp should be avoided. Although applied topically, systemic absorption can occur, so occlusive dressing should be avoided to prevent increased systemic corticosteroid absorption. Additionally, simultaneous use with systemic corticosteroids is contraindicated due to the risk of systemic adverse effects.
• Because Xamiol contains Calcipotriol, exceeding the maximum weekly dosage (100g) may result in hypercalcemia. However, serum calcium levels typically normalize after treatment discontinuation. Patients should not adjust their dosage without medical consultation to prevent complications.
• There is currently no clinical data on the safety and efficacy of Xamiol for non-scalp areas. Avoid applying it to more than 30% of the body surface area. Do not apply the medication to large areas of damaged skin, mucous membranes, or skin folds, as this may increase systemic corticosteroid absorption.
• Xamiol should not be applied to the face or genital region without medical supervision, as these areas are susceptible to its components. Accidental exposure to the face, eyes, or conjunctiva may result in localized adverse effects such as ocular and facial irritation. Proper application techniques should be followed to prevent accidental contact with the eyes, mouth, or facial skin.
• Stopping Xamiol suddenly may lead to worsening psoriasis or other adverse effects. Patients should continue monitoring their skin condition after stopping treatment.
• No clinical studies have evaluated the simultaneous use of Xamiol with systemic psoriasis treatments or phototherapy. Patients should consult their doctor before initiating any concomitant treatment.
• During Xamiol treatment, patients should limit or avoid excessive exposure to natural or artificial light. Treated skin areas should be adequately shielded when outdoors.
• For children: Xamiol is contraindicated for children under 18 years due to the absence of safety and efficacy studies.
• For pregnant women: There is not enough information on Xamiol use during pregnancy. It should only be used if prescribed by a doctor when the benefits outweigh the risks.
• For breastfeeding women: Xamiol is excreted in breast milk, but its risks to infants at normal doses are unclear. Women who are breastfeeding should take Xamiol with caution and only as directed by a doctor to avoid excessive exposure.
• For drivers and machine operators: Xamiol does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

The above information outlines the indications, dosage, and precautions for taking Xamiol. For optimal treatment efficacy and patient safety, Xamiol should be administered according to a doctor’s prescription. The medication should be stored at controlled room temperature, out of the reach of children and household pets.

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