Alitretinoin
Alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) is a naturally occurring retinoid that activates all intracellular retinoid receptor subtypes to regulate gene expression. It is primarily used to treat severe chronic hand eczema that has not responded to other treatments, as well as skin lesions associated with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma when applied topically.
A retinoid that activates all retinoid receptors to treat severe chronic hand eczema and Kaposi's sarcoma.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D11AH04
- RxNorm
- 81864
- Generic
- Alitretinoin
- Class
- atc-d11
- Brands
- Panretin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- gel
- 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
9 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid completely
alitretinoin is a retinoid and is contraindicated in pregnancy due to known teratogenic potential. women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment
pregnancy testing before, during and after treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
avoid use during first trimester specifically due to critical organogenesis period
regular fetal monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment or avoid using the medication
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 18use with caution in adolescents
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients. use only if benefits outweigh risks with close monitoring
monitor growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65no specific adjustment needed
can be used in elderly patients with standard dosing. monitor for skin irritation and dryness
routine skin assessment
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed for topical formulation
systemic absorption is minimal with topical use. no dose adjustment required for mild-moderate impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks. limited data available for severe impairment
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
metabolized by liver. use with caution in hepatic impairment. monitor liver function tests
periodic liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid unless benefits outweigh risks
use only if benefits significantly outweigh risks in severe hepatic impairment
frequent liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Kaposi's sarcoma treatment
Drug class
Retinoid class of drugs - vitamin A derivative
Primary indications
Approved therapeutic indications
Available formulations
Pharmaceutical dosage forms available
Severe chronic hand eczema unresponsive to topical corticosteroids (oral capsules) and cutaneous lesions of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (topical formulation)
Binds to and activates all six known intracellular retinoid receptors (RARα, RARβ, RARγ, RXRα, RXRβ, RXRγ), which then function as transcription factors to regulate genes involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and inflammation
Highly teratogenic - contraindicated in pregnancy; requires baseline and periodic monitoring of lipids and liver function; may cause mucocutaneous side effects including dry skin, cheilitis, and photosensitivity; available only through restricted programs due to its potent effects and safety concerns
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy