Related Experiment Videos
Acitretin is converted to etretinate only during concomitant alcohol intake
F Grønhøj Larsen1, B Steinkjer, P Jakobsen
1Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Alcohol consumption during acitretin treatment can lead to the formation of etretinate, a metabolite with teratogenic potential. Patients, especially women of childbearing potential, must practice strict alcohol abstinence during and after therapy to mitigate risks.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Acitretin is a retinoid used for keratinization disorders, replacing etretinate due to its shorter half-life.
- A potential metabolic conversion of acitretin to etretinate in the presence of ethanol has been previously suggested.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify etretinate plasma concentrations in patients treated with acitretin.
- To evaluate the impact of alcohol consumption on etretinate formation.
- To assess the risk of metabolic etretinate formation influenced by alcohol intake.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-six outpatients receiving acitretin for keratinization disorders were enrolled.
- Plasma concentrations of acitretin, 13-cis-acitretin, and etretinate were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Alcohol consumption was assessed via a questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Etretinate was detected in 30 out of 86 patients.
- No etretinate was found in non-drinkers, while all patients consuming >200g ethanol weekly had detectable levels.
- A correlation was observed between higher alcohol intake and increased risk/levels of etretinate formation.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption during acitretin therapy increases the risk of etretinate formation.
- Strict alcohol abstinence is crucial for patients, particularly women of childbearing potential, due to teratogenic risks.
- Extended contraceptive measures are advised for non-compliant patients.