Acetretin

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Tigason)

A detailed overview of the medication Acitretin



Acitretin is a second-generation retinoid primarily used in the treatment of severe psoriasis. It is a metabolite of etretinate, which was previously used for similar indications but has been largely replaced by acitretin due to its more favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Acitretin is a retinoid, which means it is a derivative of vitamin A. It works by modulating the growth and differentiation of epithelial cells, which is beneficial in conditions like psoriasis where there is excessive proliferation of skin cells. Acitretin binds to and activates nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), which then regulate gene expression.

Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]

Acitretin is administered orally and has a bioavailability of approximately 60%. It is highly protein-bound (>99%) and is metabolized in the liver. The elimination half-life of acitretin is about 49 hours, but it can be longer in some individuals. The drug is excreted through both feces (34%) and urine (66%).

Clinical Use[edit | edit source]

Acitretin is primarily indicated for the treatment of severe psoriasis, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed or are not suitable. It is also used in the treatment of other keratinization disorders. Due to its teratogenic effects, acitretin is contraindicated in pregnant women and women who may become pregnant during treatment or within three years after discontinuation.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of acitretin include dry skin, lips, and eyes, as well as hair thinning. It can also cause elevated liver enzymes and lipid levels, so regular monitoring is recommended. Due to its teratogenic potential, it is crucial to avoid pregnancy during and after treatment.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

Acitretin is contraindicated in:

  • Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant
  • Patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction
  • Patients with chronic abnormally elevated blood lipid values

Interactions[edit | edit source]

Acitretin can interact with other medications, including:

  • Methotrexate: Increased risk of hepatotoxicity
  • Tetracyclines: Increased risk of intracranial hypertension
  • Alcohol: Can lead to the formation of etretinate, which has a much longer half-life

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:Retinoids Template:Psoriasis treatments

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD