What is the name of the scalp gel containing calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064%?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 29, 2026 • View editorial policy

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Enstilar® (Xamiol®)

The scalp gel containing calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% is marketed under the brand names Enstilar® in the United States and Xamiol® in other regions 1.

Product Details

This fixed-dose combination product is specifically formulated as a gel for scalp psoriasis treatment, though it's also available in other formulations (ointment, foam, cream) for body psoriasis 2, 3.

Key Characteristics:

  • Active ingredients: Calcipotriene (calcipotriol) 50 μg/g (0.005%) + Betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g (0.064%)
  • Formulation: Gel specifically developed for scalp application
  • Approved indication: Mild to moderate scalp psoriasis in adults 1

Clinical Evidence:

The gel formulation has demonstrated strong efficacy in clinical practice, with 69-74% of patients achieving clear or almost clear status after 52 weeks of treatment, compared to only 27% with vehicle control (P < .001) 1. The AAD-NPF guidelines provide a Grade A recommendation for its use in scalp psoriasis for 4-12 weeks 1.

Important note: The gel vehicle was specifically engineered for scalp use, offering superior cosmetic acceptability and ease of application compared to ointment formulations, which directly impacts patient adherence 4, 2.

Related Questions

What is the recommended dosing schedule and available tube sizes for Taclonex (calcipotriene 0.005% w/w and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% w/w) for scalp psoriasis?
For a patient with severe widespread plaque psoriasis, how many grams of calcipotriene (calcipotriol)–betamethasone dipropionate combination ointment should be prescribed per application?
For the scalp gel of Enstilar (calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate), is it the ointment formulation or a suspension?
Is it safe to use Betaderm (betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%) in children, and what are the recommended dosage, duration, and precautions?
In an adult with itching and no contraindicating conditions, should calamine lotion or betamethasone 0.1% cream be used as the preferred treatment?
How should I adjust the medications for a female patient with increased behavioral aggression who is currently taking risperidone, lamotrigine, Vyvanse, and trazodone?
A patient who previously tolerated quetiapine (Seroquel) 200 mg last year wants to restart the medication; can they restart at 100 mg?
What is the most likely diagnosis—psoas (retroperitoneal) abscess, perinephric abscess, or septic arthritis of the right hip—in a 66-year-old patient with recent urinary tract infection, two days of malaise, low‑grade fever, right lower abdominal, back and flank pain, difficulty walking, a limp with right hip flexion, tenderness in the right lower abdomen, pain on passive extension of the right hip (positive psoas sign), mild tachycardia, leukocytosis, and a negative urine dipstick?
In a 78-year-old woman with lumbar spine T-score of –2.0, right hip T-score of –1.5, 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk of 18% and hip fracture risk of 7%, and a serum vitamin D level of 50 ng/mL, what is the appropriate intervention?
For the scalp gel of Enstilar (calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate), is it the ointment formulation or a suspension?
In a 45-year-old man with type 1 diabetes, gastroparesis, persistent nausea, normal exam, serum sodium 123 mmol/L, and no excess water intake or diuretic use, which laboratory parameter is consistent with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.