Acitretin
Acitretin is orally absorbed retinoid. Acitretin is made by chemical synthesis. Acitretin is effective in the treatment of severe psoriasis and other serious disorders of skin growth.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Tetraenoic Acid.
It is classified in Antiposriasis Oral pharmacological group. It is also classified under Dermatological Products .
Molecular Weight: 326.4 · pKa: 5 · Solubility in Water: slightly soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: readily soluble · Non-proprietary name: Acitretin.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Acitretin has an oral bioavailability is 47.5% (±47.5%).
Distribution: Acitretin has a volume of distribution is 9 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 99%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 17-111 hr, renal excretion is 50%.
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Indications
Acitretin is primarily indicated in conditions like Congenital ichthyosis, Dariers disease, Psoriasis.
Acitretin is also indicated for secondary conditions like Dermatosis, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Granuloma annulare.
Contraindications
Acitretin is contraindicated in conditions like Depression, Diabetes mellitus, Hyperlipidemia, Hypervitaminosis.
Dosage
Acitretin's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 25 – 50 mg | — | — | PO | This is initial Dose for 2-4 weeks, then adjust according to response. usually 25-50mg/day; up to 75mg/day for short periodsis and ichthyosis |
| 50 mg | 50 mg | — | PO | This is initial Dose for 2-4 weeks, then adjust according to response. usually 25-50mg/day; up to 75mg/day for short periodsis and ichthyosis |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 500 ug/kg | 500 ug/kg | Every 24h | Oral | - |
| 500 – 1000 mcg/Kg | — | Every 1h | PO | |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Acitretin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Skeletal hyperostoses , Seizures , Exostosis, Osteoporosis , Corneal opacity.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Acitretin are Hepatic enzyme disturbance, Erythema.
Acitretin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Alopecia, Arthralgia, Cheilitis, Conjunctivitis, Depression, Dryness of mouth, Elevated serum triglyceride, Elevated SGPT & SGOT, Epistaxis, Erythema, Fragility of skin, Myalgia, Pruritus , Sore throat, Vasculitis, Voice disturbance.
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.27 — Vitamins, minerals, tonics, and other susbstances