A Review of Acitretin, a Systemic Retinoid for the Treatment of Psoriasis
August 2005
in “
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
”
TLDR Acitretin is effective for certain types of psoriasis, safe for long-term use, and often combined with other treatments.
Acitretin, a second-generation systemic retinoid approved for psoriasis treatment since 1997, was particularly effective for pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis but less so as a monotherapy for plaque psoriasis. It was often used in combination with other systemic therapies, such as ultraviolet B or psoralen plus ultraviolet A phototherapy, to enhance efficacy and potentially reduce toxicity. Common side effects included dose-dependent mucocutaneous effects like cheilitis and hair loss. Acitretin was not immunosuppressive, generally safe for long-term use, and had no time limit restrictions, making it suitable for combination and maintenance therapy.
