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Acitretin improves psoriasis in a dose-dependent fashion
M T Goldfarb1, C N Ellis, A K Gupta
1Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0314.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Acitretin effectively treats psoriasis at higher doses (50-75 mg daily), offering a viable option for women of childbearing potential due to its rapid elimination, despite potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Etretinate is a retinoid used for psoriasis treatment.
- Acitretin is a metabolite of etretinate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acitretin for psoriasis treatment.
- To determine optimal acitretin dosage for psoriasis clearance.
- To assess acitretin's side effect profile and long-term tolerability.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 38 psoriasis patients.
- Acitretin dosages: 10, 25, 50, 75 mg daily for 8 weeks.
- Open-label extension to 24 weeks of acitretin therapy.
Main Results:
- 50 mg and 75 mg daily acitretin showed statistically significant improvement over placebo.
- Mucocutaneous side effects were common at doses of 25 mg or higher.
- Elevated triglyceride, cholesterol, and liver transaminases were noted laboratory abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Acitretin is an effective psoriasis treatment, particularly at 50-75 mg daily.
- Its shorter half-life compared to etretinate is a key advantage.
- Acitretin is a viable therapeutic option for women of childbearing potential due to rapid elimination, despite teratogenicity.