Acitretin and etretinate. How and when they should be used.
Nearly two decades after the advent of synthetic retinoids for the treatment of many severe and incapacitating dermatologic conditions, the usefulness of these drugs is not universally accepted. The safety profile is well established. Other than teratogenicity, which can be avoided if the recommended precautions for use are followed, serious or unexpected adverse reactions rarely occur. This article concisely addresses some questions about etretinate and acitretin therapy that are most pertinent for the dermatologist.
Geiger
J M
JM
Department of Dermatology, Roche International Clinical Research Center, Strasbourg, France.
Saurat
J H
JH
D017255:Acitretin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000465:Algorithms; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005050:Etretinate / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D005050:Etretinate; D017255:Acitretin