How does acitretin work for psoriasis?

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Acitretin works by binding to receptors in the body. These receptors help normalize the speed of skin cell growth, reducing the effects of conditions that include psoriasis.

What drug class is acitretin?

Acitretin is in a class of medications called retinoids.

Is acitretin an immunosuppressant?

Acitretin is not immunosuppressive, is generally safe for long-term use and has no time limit restrictions, which makes it useful in combination therapy and for maintenance therapy.

What are contraindications for acitretin?

Who should not take ACITRETIN?

diabetes.
high cholesterol.
high amount of triglyceride in the blood.
mental problems.
alcoholism.
depression.
pseudotumor cerebri, a condition with high fluid pressure in the brain.
capillary leak syndrome, a condition where fluid leaks out of small blood vessels.

Is acitretin an anti inflammatory?

Acitretin is an oral retinoid (derived from vitamin A) that has effects on growth of skin cells and is anti-inflammatory. Acitretin reduces excessive skin cell growth that is a feature of conditions such as psoriasis. It hence, reduces the scale and thickness of the psoriatic lesions.

How long does acitretin take to work for psoriasis?

Psoriasis may worsen before individuals start to see clearing. After eight to 16 weeks of treatment, the skin lesions usually will improve. It may take up to six months for the drug to reach its peak effect.

Is acitretin an anti-inflammatory?

Does acitretin affect the liver?

Acitretin can also cause clinically apparent liver injury with symptoms and jaundice. Although uncommon, acute liver injury from acitretin is well described and is estimated to occur in 0.1% to 0.5% of treated patients. The onset of injury can be as soon as one week or up to 9 months after starting therapy.

Does acitretin clear psoriasis?

Acitretin is one of the treatments of choice for pustular psoriasis. Even though acitretin is less effective as a monotherapy for chronic plaque psoriasis, combination therapy with other agents, especially UVB or psoralen plus UVA phototherapy, can enhance efficacy.

Which of the following is a major adverse effect associated with acitretin?

Dry eyes, eye irritation, crusting of the eye lids, increased sensitivity to sunlight, dry mouth, peeling of the skin of fingertips, palms or soles of feet, chapped lips, runny nose, thirst, taste changes and hair loss may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What are the benefits of taking acitretin?

Acitretin is used to treat severe skin disorders, such as psoriasis. It works by allowing normal growth and development of the skin. Acitretin will continue to work after you stop taking it, but after a time, the skin condition returns and you may need to take it again.

Does acitretin affect the kidneys?

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: decreased night vision, fever, chills, dizziness, aches and pain in the bones or joints, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, difficulty moving, swelling, sudden weight gain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).