etretinate

etretinate

[etret′ināt]

a synthetic derivative of vitamin A used as an oral drug to treat psoriasis.

indications It is prescribed for severe recalcitrant psoriasis, including generalized pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis.

contraindications It is contraindicated for women who are of childbearing age unless a pregnancy test within 2 weeks of the start of therapy has negative results. Because of the risk of hyperostosis, the drug should not be given to children unless all alternative therapies have been exhausted. Intolerance to vitamin A derivative is another contraindication.

adverse effects Adverse effects may include benign intracranial hypertension, hepatitis, visual abnormalities including corneal damage, skeletal hyperostosis, peeling skin, alopecia, muscle cramps, and headache.

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etretinate

a synthetic retinoid, used orally in the treatment of skin diseases, particularly keratinization disorders. Like other synthetic retinoids, it is teratogenic and has a very long half-life.

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etretinate

Pharmacology A retinoic acid derivative that stimulates epithelial differentiation and inhibits the malignant transformation of skin and mucosa; it is a 2^nd line agent for psoriasis in combination with PUVA, to ↓ dose of methoxsalen. See Psoriasis.