The active ingredient tazarotene is a retinoid. The drug is usually applied externally. In this case, it is applied locally in the form of gel or ointment for the therapy of psoriasis (psoriasis) of the plaque type. The drug is equally known as tazarotene or tazarote.
What is tazarotene?
The drug is used primarily in the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. The drug tazarotene is a retinoid that has receptor-selective and topical properties. It is a special type of retinoid belonging to a new pharmacological generation. The active ingredient is primarily used in the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. After absorption through the skin, the substance is metabolized in a relatively short time into a metabolite called tazarotenic acid. Here, however, there is no great similarity in structure to vitamin A or other retinoids that have been used in therapy to date. These include, for example, acitretin, isotretinoin and etretinate. Nevertheless, the active ingredient tazarotene is counted among retinoids with a so-called ethyne structure. Basically, tazarotene is sensitive to oxygen and other oxidizing agents as well as light and substances that react alkaline.
Pharmacological action
The drug tazarotene acts primarily by affecting the formation and growth of cells. In addition, the substance also has anti-inflammatory effects. However, according to the current state of medical research, the exact mechanism of tazarotene’s action is not yet fully known. The drug tazarotene binds to the so-called retinoic acid receptor and initiates a modification of gene expression. The active ingredient also influences the differentiation of cells. As part of the treatment, care must therefore be taken to ensure that patients avoid direct and intense UV radiation. In principle, the drug is available in Germany on both pharmacy and prescription.
Medical application and use
The drug tazarotene is suitable for the therapy of various diseases, but it is mainly used for the treatment of psoriasis. Gel preparations with various concentrations of the active ingredient exist for this purpose. These are intended for the topical treatment of small-surface, mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis. First of all, the individually appropriate concentration of the active ingredient in the gel should be determined together with the treating physician. Gels with higher concentrations more often cause irritation of the skin than lower-dose preparations. For example, reddened skin areas or itching are possible. However, the effect is stronger according to the higher dose and also sets in more quickly. Before applying the gel, make sure that the affected skin areas are dry. If the gel is applied after a shower, the skin should be dried thoroughly. In the majority of cases, the tazarotene gel is applied once a day before going to bed. It is important that only a thin layer is applied to the skin. It is also important to ensure that only the psoriatic skin areas are wetted with the gel. This prevents irritation of healthy or inflamed skin. The gel must not come into contact with the eyes, and it is also necessary to wash the hands after applying the medication. If the affected patients suffer from psoriasis in the area of the hands, special care must be taken to ensure that the gel does not get into the face or eyes. If this does happen, the eyes should be rinsed immediately with a large amount of cold water and, if necessary, a doctor should be consulted.
Risks and side effects
A variety of adverse side effects and symptoms are possible as part of therapy with the drug tazarotene. These differ from patient to patient and vary depending on the individual case. The most common side effects are burning sensation on the skin as well as reddened house patches, itching, and localized irritation. In addition, rashes on the skin, scaling, contact dermatitis, pain and a worsened psoriasis condition are other possible side effects. In addition, inflammation on the skin and dry patches of skin sometimes occur. During treatment with a tazarotene gel, various interactions with other agents should be taken into account.It is recommended to avoid drugs that irritate and dry out the skin. Therefore, simultaneous application with tazarotene should be avoided. In addition, there are some contraindications for which the drug tazarotene must not be used. These include, for example, known intolerances to the substance tazarotene as well as psoriasis exfoliativa and psoriasis pustulosa. Also, the drug should not be applied in the area of the face or on the scalp. Therapy with tazarotene lasts for a maximum of twelve weeks, with no more than ten percent of the body surface being treated with the gel. During pregnancy and lactation, treatment with the drug tazarotene should be refrained from. Following oral ingestion, the drug tazarotene shows teratogenic effects. In animal studies, it has been shown that after dermal application, changes have occurred in the skeleton of fetuses. If appropriate side effects or other complaints occur during therapy with the drug tazarotene, the attending physician or, in an emergency, a pharmacist should be consulted immediately.
