Indications

Tazarotene cream 0.1% is indicated for the topical treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis. It also works to treat acne

Pharmacology

Tazarotene is a retinoid prodrug that is rapidly de-esterified in animals and humans to create its active form, the homologous carboxylic acid of tazarotene. Tazarotene reduces the expression of MRP8, a high-level inflammatory marker found in the epidermis of psoriasis patients, in cell culture and in vitro skin models. It prevents the production of cornified envelopes in human keratinocyte cultures, which is a component of the psoriatic scale.

Dosage & Administration

For psoriasis: Apply once daily in the evening usually for up to twelve weeks. Use and dose must be determined by the doctor of children upto 12 years of age.
For acne: Cleanse the face gently. After the skin is dry, apply a thin layer of Tazarotene cream once per day, in the evening, to the skin areas where acne lesions appear. Use enough to cover the entire affected area.

Interaction

Concomitant dermatological medications and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect should be avoided. It is also available to “rest” a patient’s skin until the effects of such preparations subside before the use of Tazarotene cream is begun.

Contraindications

When retinoids are given to a pregnant woman, they may harm the fetus. Tazarotene cream should not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. If this medicine is used during pregnancy, or if the patient gets pregnant while taking it, therapy should be stopped immediately, and the patient should be informed of the potential fetal risk. When Tazarotene cream is used, women of reproductive potential should be warned about the potential risk and should utilize proper birth control techniques.

Side Effects

Generally Tazarotene cream is well-tolerated. The most frequent adverse events related to treatment with Tazarotene are skin-related for example pruritus, erythema, burning, irritation, desquamation, stinging, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, worsening of psoriasis, skin pain, rash, hypertriglyceridemia, dry skin, skin inflammation, and peripheral edema.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Although there may be less systemic exposure in the treatment of acne of the face alone due to less surface area for application, Tazarotene is a teratogenic substance. It is not known what level of exposure is required for teratogenicity in humans.

Lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Tazarotene is administered to a nursing woman

Precautions & Warnings

Tazarotene cream should be applied only to the affected areas. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, and mouth. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
A retinoid should not be used on eczematous skin, as they may cause severe irritation.
Because of heightened burning susceptibility, exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) should be avoided unless deemed medically necessary and in such cases, exposure should be minimized during the use of Tazarotene cream. Tazarotene cream should be administered with caution if the patient is also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers (e.g., thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonamides) because of the increased possibility of augmented photosensitivity.

Therapeutic Class

Topical retinoid and related preparations

Storage Conditions

Keep at a temperature of 25° C.

Generic

Tazarotene

 Pharmaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.