Acitretin

Antipsoriasis · Vitamin A derivative

Indications

Severe refractory psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, congenital ichthyosis. Darier's disease.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 25-30 mg daily for 2 to 4 wk. Titrate against response up to max 75 mg daily. Maintenance, 25- 50 mg daily. Max treatment 6 mth. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Dry skin, sticky skin, dermatitis, erosion of mucosa, erythema, pruritus, palmer and plantar exfoliation, rhinitis, epistaxis, nail fragility, conjunctivitis, xerophthalmia, bullous eruptions, vulvovaginitis, drowsiness, sweating, gingivitis, alopecia, granulomatous lesions. Severe headache, GI upset, visual disturbance (withdraw immediately and refer for neurological examination), decreased night vision. Hepatotoxicity, change in serum lipids. Myalgia, arthralgia. Hyperostosis and extraosseous calcification (long term therapy). Photosensitivity.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Pregnancy-highly teratogenic; exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment, contraceptive measures must be taken before, during and for at least 2 years after withdrawal of treatment, perform monthly pregnancy test. Lactation. Renal or hepatic impairment. Precautions: Avoid blood donation for minimum 1 year after last dose. Monitor liver function, serum lipids and for bone changes. Diabetes. Avoid excessive UV exposure.

Interactions

High dose vitamin A, methotrexate, tetracyclines, alcohol.

Brands with this active ingredient

• A-Vative
• Acetax-25
• Acetin
• Acisor
• Acitigma
• Acitrelex
• Acotin
• Asset
• Citron
• Lineartri
• Neotret
• Psotin
• Santrin
• Soratin
• Tigasor

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.