Acitretin
Acitretin is an oral retinoid medication used to treat severe forms of psoriasis and other keratinization disorders. It works by normalizing skin cell growth and differentiation, helping to reduce scaling, thickening, and inflammation of the skin.
Acitretin is a vitamin A derivative used to treat severe psoriasis by normalizing skin cell turnover.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D05BB02
- RxNorm
- 16818
- Generic
- Acitretin
- Class
- atc-d05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
acitretin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to high teratogenic risk. women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 years after discontinuation
regular fetal ultrasound examinations and pregnancy testing recommended
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid completely
continue contraception and avoid pregnancy throughout treatment and for 3 years after stopping
fetal monitoring if pregnancy occurs despite warnings
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
acitretin should be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is suspected
comprehensive fetal assessment if pregnancy occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not applicableavoid completely
acitretin is contraindicated during breastfeeding due to potential for severe adverse effects in infant
not applicable - do not breastfeed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17use lowest effective dose, typically 0.5 mg/kg up to 35 mg/day
use only when benefits outweigh risks. monitor growth and skeletal development closely
regular monitoring of growth parameters, bone age and skeletal development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
age 65 and olderstart with lower dose, typically 10-25 mg daily
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to adverse effects. monitor for musculoskeletal symptoms
regular liver function tests, lipid panel and assessment for musculoskeletal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose, start with 10-25 mg daily
use with caution. acitretin and its metabolites are eliminated renally to some extent
monitor renal function and adjust dose based on creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution, may require dose reduction
acitretin is metabolized hepatically. use with caution in hepatic impairment
frequent liver function tests required, monitor for signs of hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Acitretin belongs to the retinoid class of drugs
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Acitretin
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use of Acitretin
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Acitretin is primarily prescribed for severe plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and other severe keratinization disorders when conventional topical therapies have been insufficient.
As a systemic retinoid, acitretin modulates cell proliferation and differentiation in the epidermis. It helps normalize the shedding of skin cells and reduces the excessive scaling and thickening characteristic of psoriasis.
Acitretin is a known teratogen and is contraindicated in pregnancy; women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and after treatment. Common side effects include mucocutaneous symptoms such as dry skin, cheilitis, and photosensitivity. Regular monitoring of liver function and lipid levels is recommended during therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy