Systemic retinoids in dermatology

Orally administered retinoids are synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. This new group of drugs (not yet available for general use in the United States) has been effective in experimental trials for treatment of a wide range of skin diseases. The current status of two of these drugs, isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) and etretinate (Ro 10-9359), is herein reviewed.