ABSTRACT
Tazarotene was the first topical retinoid approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in the United States; it was approved in 1997. Tazarotene is used most effectively in the treatment of psoriasis in combination with other forms of therapy, such as topical corticosteroids, calcipotriene, and phototherapy to optimize efficacy and tolerability. The exact molecular mechanism by which tazarotene is able to exert its effects on psoriasis is unknown, but it is thought to affect the three major pathogenic causes of psoriasis: in keratinocytes, tazarotene has antiproliferative effects, normalizes their abnormal differentiation, and decreases the expression of inflammatory markers on their cell surface. To minimize unwanted side effects and improve patient’s tolerability, tazarotene is optimally used in combination with mid- to high-potency topical corticosteroids, calcipotriene, ultraviolet B phototherapy, or psoralen plus ultraviolet A. A double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled study examined the efficacy of a combination of tazarotene and clobetasol both for initial efficacy and for maintenance use.
