title: Tazarotene foam versus tazarotene gel: a randomized relative bioavailability study in acne vulgaris.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Tazarotene, a retinoid pro-drug, is available in gel, cream and foam for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. This single-centre, randomized, open-label study assessed relative bioavailability of its active metabolite tazarotenic acid after dosing of tazarotene foam or gel.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects with moderate-to-severe acne received a mean, once-daily dose of 3.7 g tazarotene foam or gel applied to face, chest, upper back and shoulders. Blood samples were collected pre-dose on multiple days and multiple time points over a 72-h period to measure plasma tazarotenic acid and tazarotene.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean tazarotenic acid area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum measured plasma concentration (Cmax) values were significantly higher for gel versus foam. Cmax occurred within 5-6 h after dosing, with an apparent terminal elimination half-life (t½) of 18-22 h. Accumulation was observed upon repeated dosing with steady-state conditions achieved at day 20. Mean tazarotene concentrations were also higher following gel application versus foam. Both foam and gel demonstrated an acceptable safety profile.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tazarotene foam, 0.1 % is an alternative to gel with less systemic exposure.
authors: DermResearch, Inc., Clinical Research, 8140 North Mopac Expressway, Building 3, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78759, USA. mjarratt@dermresearch.net
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Jarratt
authors: Cary P
authors: CP
authors: Werner
authors: Alessandra B
authors: AB
authors: Alió Saenz
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D019540:Area Under Curve; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009539:Nicotinic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult; D012176:Retinoids
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004304:Dosage Forms; D009539:Nicotinic Acids; C086827:tazarotene; D012176:Retinoids