Tazarotene
About
Tazarotene belongs to a group of medications called ‘retinoids’ used in the treatment of psoriasis (skin forms itchy, dry patches) and acne. Psoriasis is an autoimmune (immune system attacks healthy cells) skin disorder in which the skin becomes scaly, swollen up, and itchy. It mostly affects the knee, elbows, scalp, and trunk. It is a lifelong condition, and treatment is given to remove affected skin cells and avoid flare-ups of the disease. Acne is a skin condition that is common and occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil.
The Tazarotene contains ‘Tazarotene’ which belongs to the class of retinoids derived from vitamin A. It has anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative (decreases skin cell multiplication) properties. It works by slowing down the development of the disease. It reduces the speed of skin cell growth and blocks some substances which cause inflammation (swelling and redness) on the skin. It gradually clears the affected skin. It helps to reduce the redness, scaling, and thickness of the rashes of psoriasis.
Use Tazarotene as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Tazarotene for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience dry skin, erythema (skin redness), itching, irritation, skin irritation, skin burn and skin peeling (loss of the upper layer of skin). Most of these side effects of Tazarotene do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before taking Tazarotene inform your doctor if you are allergic to Tazarotene or any ingredients present in it. Tazarotene should not be taken in the conditions like eczema and sunburn. Tazarotene should not be used in pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby and cause birth defects. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a woman as it may not safe. Tazarotene should not be used in children below 18 years as safety and efficacy have not been established. Tazarotene has an unknown effect on the ability to drive or use machinery. So, it is better to avoid driving while using Tazarotene.
Uses of Tazarotene
Medicinal Benefits
Tazarotene contains ‘Tazarotene’ that belongs to the class of ‘retinoids’. It is used to treat psoriasis. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A (retinol) and have anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative (reduces rapid skin cell division) action. Tazarotene works by slowing down the progression of the diseases. It can treat severe or extensive skin problems where the skin has become thick and scaly such as psoriasis. It is also effective for the treatment of acne. This prevents the formation of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tazarotene
- Dry skin
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Itching
- Irritation
- Skin irritation
- Skin burns
- Skin peeling (loss of the upper layer of skin)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Tazarotene inform your doctor if you are allergic to Tazarotene or any ingredients present in it. If skin irritation, redness, burning, or stinging sensation worsens at the site of application, stop using Tazarotene and consult a doctor. Tazarotene should not be used for the treatment of psoriasis with increased size formation. Do not use Tazarotene on the hair. Tazarotene should not be used in the conditions like eczema, sunburn, and other skin conditions. Tazarotene should not be used if you have skin cancer. Before taking Tazarotene inform your doctor if you work outdoors. Avoid contact of Tazarotene with nose, mouth, eyes, ears, or vagina. Tazarotene should not be used in pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby and cause birth defects. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a woman as it may not safe. Tazarotene should not be used in children below 18 years as safety and efficacy have not been established. Tazarotene has an unknown effect on the ability to drive or use machinery. So, it is better to avoid driving while using Tazarotene.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Tazarotene may interact with diuretics/water pills (hydrochlorothiazide), antibiotics (tetracyclines, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, erythromycin), antipsychotics (phenothiazines), medicines for psoriasis/dandruff (coal tar, methoxsalen).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tazarotene should be used with caution in patients with eczema, and sunburn.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Tazarotene is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Tazarotene.
Pregnancy
unsafeTazarotene should not be used in pregnant women as it may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby or fetus and causes birth defects. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTazarotene may not safe during breastfeeding as it may harm the nursing baby. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Driving
cautionTazarotene has an unknown effect on the ability to drive or use machinery. So, it is better to avoid driving while using Tazarotene.
Liver
cautionTake Tazarotene with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions as it may cause side effects. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
safe if prescribedTazarotene is not harmful to kidney disease. Tazarotene is safely given to kidney patients if prescribed by your doctor.
Children
unsafeTazarotene is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
- Avoid consumption of foods with excess sugar as it may flare up inflammation.
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and fish in your diet.
- Avoid getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents, and rough fabrics.
- Avoid sun exposure while using Tazarotene as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear acne. Take a shower immediately after finishing exercise as sweat may irritate acne.
- Do regular hair wash regularly and avoid hair falling across the face.
- Use water-based cosmetic products and remove the makeup completely before going to bed.
Special Advise
- Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings like bandages unless ordered by a doctor, as this may enhance the risk of side effects.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by red, itchy and scaly rashes. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. In this condition, skin cells grow and build up rapidly resulting in scaly rashes mostly on knees, elbows, scalp and trunk. Stress and cold can act as triggers for this disease. It is a chronic disease and does not have a permanent cure. Treatment is given to control the disease and prevent flare-ups.
Acne: Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil, causing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne affects people of all ages but is most common among teenagers. The symptoms of acne include pus-filled pimples, uninflamed (not swollen) blackheads, and red, large, and tender bumps.
FAQs
Tazarotene is used for treating acne along with decreasing whiteheads and blackheads. It acts by reducing skin cell overgrowth and decreasing skin cell inflammation, which may cause acne.
Yes, Tazarotene has been found to be useful for skin. It works by enhancing the thickness of the outer skin layers which helps in decreasing facial wrinkles and discoloration. It is normally helpful in patients who are using other skincare and sunlight prevention programs.
Tazarotene contains ‘Tazarotene’ which belongs to the class of 'retinoids' and used to treat severe psoriasis and acne. It has anti-inflammatory action and reduces redness, swelling, scaling and thickness of the rashes. It also has antiproliferative properties and slows down the disease's development by reducing the speed of skin cell growth.
Tazarotene should not be used on healthy, inflamed or eczematous skin, as it may lead to severe irritation. Externally used medicines and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect should be prevented. Weather extremes, like cold or wind, may be more irritating to patients using Tazarotene. Avoid unnecessary exposure to UV rays during the treatment. Use protective clothing and sunscreen during Tazarotene treatment.
Tazarotene may not affect your immune system. It is not an immunosuppressant. It controls psoriasis by slowing down the progression of the disease.
