Tazarotene is a topical (applied to the skin) medication used to treat psoriasis and acne. It works by slowing the growth of new skin cells and decreasing the amount of oil your body produces. It also reduces redness and irritation and helps to eliminate enlarged pores. It can be used alone or with other medications for treating psoriasis.
It is also used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and sun damage to the skin by increasing collagen production. It is available as a cream from Relimeds and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and as Tazret 0.05% gel or foam 20g. It should be applied once a day in the evening.
Chronic sun exposure causes photodamage to the skin that is characterized clinically by a variety of changes including fine and coarse wrinkles, dyspigmentation, telangiectasia, laxity, roughness and a sallow appearance. A number of treatments have claimed to reduce the symptoms of photodamage, but evidence from randomized controlled trials is limited. However, studies have demonstrated that topical retinoids such as tazarotene and isotretinoin are effective in treating this condition.
Tazarotene is a retinoid and is absorbed by the skin where it is converted to its active form, tazarolenic acid. Tazarolenic acid binds to retinoic acid receptors (RARs), a group of enzymes that play an important role in regulating the growth and development of the skin. It is a potent and selective RARb/RARg agonist. This binding activity may limit undesirable side effects associated with retinoids that occur through other mechanisms.
Unlike other retinoids, tazarotene is not soluble in fats and oils and therefore is not easily washed off the skin. This allows it to stay in the skin longer and have a more sustained therapeutic effect.
In addition, it is less irritative than other retinoids and is well tolerated in patients with normal skin. However, it should not be used by patients with severe abrasions or open wounds. It is also not recommended for pregnant women and should not be used by nursing mothers.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to tazarotene; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids, isotretinoin); or to any other drugs, especially any that you take by mouth. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
It is unknown whether this drug is excreted into breast milk or has a significant impact on infants. However, the maternal systemic concentration is reportedly low and unpublished rodent teratogenicity data are reassuring.
There is no published experience with tazarotene use during pregnancy, and its safety in this population is not known.
Before using tazarotene, wash your hands and apply the medication to the affected area(s). If you are also applying benzoyl peroxide to treat acne, you should separate the application times. Talk to your doctor before combining this drug with other topical agents or with oral medications, such as antibiotics and birth control pills. tazarotene uk