ABSTRACT
This chapter presents classification & mode of action, indications & dermatological uses, formulations/presentation, dosages & suggested regimens, baseline investigations, considerations & monitoring, contraindications, cautions, important drug interactions, adverse effects & their management, use in special situations, and essential patient information of Acitretin. Etretinate and acitretin are effective treatments for psoriasis and severe congenital disorders of keratinization. Acitretin has a much shorter half-life than etretinate, but a long duration of pregnancy avoidance post-treatment is still advised, as it transpires that acitretin can be converted to etretinate in the presence of alcohol, and the latter is stored in fat with a half-life of 120 days. The comparative efficacy of acitretin monotherapy in chronic plaque psoriasis is less than methotrexate and ciclosporin. As monotherapy, acitretin is highly effective in erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis. Acitretin is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and females should not become pregnant for at least 3 years after stopping treatment.
