Mechanism of action
Acitretin is an oral psoriasis medication that is used for severe cases. The drug helps normalize the process of cell differentiation, gradually thinning the horny layer on the skin by reducing the proliferation rate of keratinocytes,
In addition, the drug also has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, thereby helping to reduce skin inflammation, reduce epidermal peeling, erythema, peeling the horny layer of the skin and reduce the thickness of psoriatic lesions on the skin.
Indications for use
Acitretin should only be used in cases of severe psoriasis, when the patient's body is resistant to topical psoriasis or phototherapy.
Dosage
Usually, the starting dose of the drug is about 25-30mg / time / day, can be increased to 50mg / time / day if allowed by the doctor, using about 2-4 weeks. Thereafter, the daily dose will be adjusted according to the results after follow-up.
Specifically, if the disease results improve with a dose of 25-50mg / day, it will be indicated for additional use within 6-8 weeks. Often, doctors will appoint patients to use high doses to achieve better therapeutic effects.
Acitretin has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, thereby helping to reduce skin inflammation
Side effects
Most patients when using the drug Acitretin experience a number of unwanted side effects such as:
- Bone ossification disorders
- Inflammation around the nail
- Sweating increased
- Peeling of skin on the eyelids
- Paresthesia
- Purulent granulomas
- Dry, chapped lips
- Irritation of the nasal mucosa
- Muscle pain, muscle thickening, joint pain
- Hair loss
- Causes increased liver enzymes
- Serum lipid disorder
Most of the above symptoms will go away on their own after stopping the use of the drug, but the osteoporosis does not go away on its own. Therefore, if the patient has to treat psoriasis with long-term Acitretin, it is necessary to combine the periodic examination of osteoporosis disorders.
At the same time, the patient must absolutely abstain from alcohol during the drug use and 2 months after stopping the drug. Adjust a low-lipid and low-carb diet to avoid side effects.
Contraindicated for use
Medication for severe psoriasis.
Do not use the drug if you intend to have children, at least 1 month before starting treatment, during treatment and 3 years after stopping taking Acitretin because of the risk of teratogenicity.
Patients are not allowed to donate blood during treatment and 3 years after stopping taking the drug.
Breastfeeding women should not be used because drugs affect the quality of breast milk. It is best not to breastfeed for at least 3 years after stopping the drug.
It is not recommended for psoriasis in children or only when other drugs are ineffective. At the same time must periodically X-ray of the bone, including the knee because the drug can cause premature closure of the bone.
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