Acitretin

Acitretin (trade name Soriatane®) is a second generation retinoid. It is taken orally, and is typically used for psoriasis.

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It is a metabolite of etretinate, which was used prior to the introduction of acitretin. Etretinate was discontinued because it had a narrow therapeutic index as well as a long elimination half-life (t_1/2=120 days), making dosing difficult. In contrast, acitretin's half-life is approximately 2 days.

Women must avoid becoming pregnant for at least 3 years after discontinuing acitretin. In comparison, etretinate was not recommended at all for women who planned to become pregnant.