Off-Label Uses of Retinoids in Dermatology

September 2012 in “ Our Dermatology Online ”

Wei Li, Ying Liu, Quan Luo, Xuemei Li, Xibao Zhang

retinoids isotretinoin acitretin tretinoin minoxidil male pattern hair loss hyperlipidemia teratogenic potential Accutane Soriatane Retin-A Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Tretinoin →

the gold standard retinoid in dermatology that's also helpful for hair regrowth alongside Minoxidil

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This review discusses the off-label uses of retinoids in dermatology, focusing on oral isotretinoin and acitretin, and reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The 2012 document discussed the off-label uses of retinoids, specifically isotretinoin and acitretin, in dermatology. Retinoids were found effective in treating various skin disorders, including severe acne, psoriasis, and keratinization disorders. They also showed promise in treating certain cancers and precancerous conditions. The document highlighted the use of retinoids in treating hair loss conditions, with a combination of 5% minoxidil and 0.01% tretinoin proving effective for male pattern hair loss. However, retinoids also had significant adverse effects, including teratogenic potential and hyperlipidemia. It was recommended that patients be maintained on the lowest effective retinoids dose to minimize these side effects. The document also emphasized the need for further research to standardize the dosage and treatment duration.

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Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Evaluation of Clinical Adverse Effects and Laboratory Changes in Patients with Acne Vulgaris Treated with Oral Isotretinoin

41 citations , June 2010 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

This study found that isotretinoin is a safe and well-tolerated acne treatment, with common adverse effects like cheilitis manageable through symptomatic medication and no significant changes in lipid or liver enzyme levels.

research Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil Versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss

43 citations , January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This study concluded that a combined once-daily solution of 5% minoxidil and 0.01% tretinoin is as effective and safe as the conventional twice-daily 5% minoxidil application for treating androgenetic alopecia in men.

research A Review of Acitretin, a Systemic Retinoid for the Treatment of Psoriasis

75 citations , August 2005 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This review discusses the use of acitretin, a retinoid approved since 1997, for various forms of psoriasis and its potential benefits in combination therapy, but reports no new clinical findings.

Towards Dissecting the Pathogenesis of Retinoid-Induced Hair Loss: All-Trans Retinoic Acid Induces Premature Hair Follicle Regression by Upregulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β2 in the Dermal Papilla

research Towards Dissecting the Pathogenesis of Retinoid-Induced Hair Loss: All-Trans Retinoic Acid Induces Premature Hair Follicle Regression by Upregulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β2 in the Dermal Papilla

92 citations , June 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that the retinoid all-trans retinoic acid induced a catagen-like stage in human scalp hair follicles, suggesting upregulation of TGF-beta2 as a contributing mechanism.

research 9-cis-Retinoic Acid Capsules in the Treatment of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma

52 citations , February 2003 in “Archives of dermatology”

In this open-label trial, 9-cis-retinoic acid showed moderate activity against Kaposi sarcoma in AIDS patients, but its use is limited by substantial side effects at higher doses.

research Topical Tretinoin for Hair Growth Promotion

73 citations , October 1986 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a combination of topical tretinoin and 0.5% minoxidil resulted in terminal hair regrowth in 66% of subjects with androgenetic alopecia over one year.

research Isotretinoin Treatment of Acne and Related Disorders: An Update

126 citations , October 1983 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This report verifies isotretinoin's significant efficacy in treating severe acne over the past year in the U.S., highlighting the need for careful patient selection and monitoring due to potential side effects.

research Oral Retinoids: Present Status

108 citations , November 1980 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the current status of oral retinoids in dermatology and reports no new clinical findings.