Clinical Overview
Acitretin is an oral second-generation aromatic retinoid and the active acid metabolite of etretinate on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It modulates cellular differentiation and proliferation in the epidermis, suppressing epidermal hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis. Indicated for severe extensive plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, and severe disorders of keratinization (ichthyosis, Darier's disease).
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally once daily with main meals or milk to optimize systemic absorption. Swallow whole. Strict laboratory monitoring of LFTs, fasting lipid profile, and pregnancy status is mandatory.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Cheilitis (chapped lips), dry skin, mucosal dryness, alopecia, peeling of palms/soles, elevated triglycerides/cholesterol, elevated transaminases. Rare/Severe: Boxed warning: Extreme teratogenicity; severe hepatotoxicity, pseudotumor cerebri, and skeletal hyperostosis.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black box warning: Extreme teratogenicity; strictly contraindicated in pregnant women or women intending to become pregnant within 3 YEARS after treatment completion. Blood donation is forbidden for 3 years post-therapy. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited during and for 2 months after therapy (ethanol converts acitretin back to etretinate, which has a half-life of 120 days).
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered dermatologist or qualified medical practitioner before initiating, altering, or substituting any topical or systemic dermatological treatment.