Tazarotene

Tazarotene is a topical retinoid that appears to exert its effects via retinoic acid receptors. It normalises differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Topical tazarotene 0.05% or 0.1% gel was effective in the treatment of plaque psoriasis in clinical trials and its therapeutic effect was maintained for at least 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation in some patients. In one study in patients with psoriasis, tazarotene had similar efficacy to fluocinonide in reducing plaque elevation, but not erythema. In another study, tazarotene was reported to be less effective than fluocinonide. Combination treatment with tazarotene plus a mid- or high-potency corticosteroid was more effective in the treatment of psoriasis than tazarotene alone. Topical tazarotene 0.1% gel significantly reduced lesion counts in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris. Skin irritation is a common adverse event with topical tazarotene, but it is mainly of mild to moderate severity. Tazarotene is not recommended for use in women who are, or may become, pregnant.