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Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Tazorac, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
Routes of administration | Topical |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Protein binding | >99% |
Elimination half-life | 19 Hours |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.115.380 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C21H21NO2S |
Molar mass | 351.46 g·mol−1 |
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Tazarotene, sold under the brand name Tazorac, among others, is a third-generation prescription topical retinoid. [2] [3] It is primarily used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and acne. [4] Tazarotene is also used as a therapeutic for photoaged and photodamaged skin. [4] It is a member of the acetylenic class of retinoids. [4]
Tazarotene was approved for medical use in 1997 [5] and is available as a generic medication. [6] [7]
Tazarotene is most commonly used topically to treat acne vulgaris and psoriasis. [4] Like other topical retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, tazarotene can be combined with benzoyl peroxide or an oral antibiotic, such as clindamycin or dapsone, for the treatment of acne. [8] This results in increased efficacy compared to tazarotene monotherapy. [8] For psoriasis, a combination therapy of tazarotene and a mid- to high-potency corticosteroid is more effective than either treatment alone. [9]
Tazarotene can also be used for the treatment of photodamaged skin. It can reduce the clinical and histological signs of photodamaged skin. [10] The therapy is more effective when used with the daily application of sunscreen. [11]
Before 2015, tazarotene was considered a Category X drug (meaning its use was contraindicated during pregnancy) according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, despite demonstrating similar plasma retinoid levels as adapalene and tretinoin, which were classified as Category C drugs. [12] Under the FDA's updated Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule which eliminated the lettered pregnancy categories and came into effect in 2015, tazarotene was determined to be contraindicated in pregnancy. [12] Because of the lack of pregnancy outcomes data for the drug, the determination was based on the teratogenic effects observed in rat and rabbit studies. [5] [12]
Tazarotene is contraindicated for use in patients who are known to be or suspected of being pregnant. Tazarotene is a known teratogen. [4]
Adverse effects for tazarotene include skin irritation, such as redness, itchiness, and burning. In patients with psoriasis, these adverse effects can be mitigated by a combined treatment with either mometasone furoate or fluocinonide. [9] These effects tend to be mild to moderate, and increase in intensity as tazarotene concentration increases. [13]
Tazarotene is selective for two types of retinoic acid receptors, RAR-γ and RAR-β. [14] Like all retinoids, it affects the ability of keratinocytes in the epidermis to proliferate and differentiate. [14] It does so by upregulating filaggrin expression and downregulating the expression of keratinocyte transglutaminase, ornithine decarboxylase, involucrin, epidermal growth factor receptor, and various keratins. [15]
More than 99% of tazarotenic acid, the active metabolite of tazarotene, in the blood binds to plasma proteins (the most predominant being albumin). [16] The volume of distribution (VD) for tazarotene is 26.1 L/kg and the VD for tazarotenic acid is 1.97 L/kg. [16] Tazarotene is excreted from the body via feces and urine equally, [9] and it has an elimination half-life of 16 [17] to 18 hours. [18]
Acetylenic retinoid prodrug converted to the active metabolite, tazarotenic acid, with selective affinity for retinoic acid receptors RARβ and RARγ.
The formation of the ring system involves first alkylation of the anion from thiophenol with dimethylallyl bromide (1) to give the thioether (2). Friedel-Crafts cyclization of the olefin with the equivalent of PPA then gives the thiopyran (3). Acylation with acetyl chloride in the presence of aluminium chloride gives the methyl ketone (4). Reaction of the enolate of that ketone with diethyl chlorophosphate gives the enol phosphate 5 as a transient intermediate. This eliminates diethyl phosphite in the presence of excess base to give the corresponding acetylene 6. The anion from the reaction of the acetylene with base is then used to displace chlorine from Ethyl 6-chloronicotinate (7). This reaction affords the coupling product tazarotene (8).
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a long-term skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include blackheads or whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and possible scarring. It primarily affects skin with a relatively high number of oil glands, including the face, upper part of the chest, and back. The resulting appearance can lead to lack of confidence, anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and, in extreme cases, depression or thoughts of suicide.
Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid and sold under the brand name Accutane among others, is a medication used to treat skin diseases like harlequin-type ichthyosis, and lamellar ichthyosis, and severe cystic acne or moderate acne that is unresponsive to antibiotics. Isotretinoin is used off-label to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, although clinical evidence suggests it is not effective in this setting. It is a retinoid, meaning it is related to vitamin A, and is found in small quantities naturally in the body. Its isomer, tretinoin, is also an acne drug.
Minocycline, sold under the brand name Minocin among others, is a tetracycline antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections such as some occurring in certain forms of pneumonia. It is generally less preferred than the tetracycline doxycycline. Minocycline is also used for the treatment of acne and rheumatoid arthritis. It is taken by mouth or applied to the skin.
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a medication used for the treatment of acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia. For acne, it is applied to the skin as a cream, gel or ointment. For acute promyelocytic leukemia, it is effective only when the RARA-PML fusion mutation is present and is taken by mouth for up to three months. Topical tretinoin is also the most extensively investigated retinoid therapy for photoaging.
Adapalene, sold under the brand name Differin among others, is a third-generation topical retinoid primarily used in the treatment of mild-moderate acne, and is also used off-label to treat keratosis pilaris as well as other skin conditions. Studies have found adapalene is as effective as other retinoids, while causing less irritation. It also has several advantages over other retinoids. The adapalene molecule is more stable compared to tretinoin and tazarotene, which leads to less concern for photodegradation. It is also chemically more stable compared to the other two retinoids, allowing it to be used in combination with benzoyl peroxide. Due to its effects on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, adapalene is superior to tretinoin for the treatment of comedonal acne and is often used as a first-line agent. The Swiss company Galderma developed adapalene.
The retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are natural derivatives of vitamin A or are chemically related to it. Synthetic retinoids are utilized in cosmetic formulations, clinical dermatology, and the treatment of some forms of cancer.
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nails caused by increased melanin.
Azelaic acid (AzA), or nonanedioic acid, is an organic compound with the formula HOOC(CH2)7COOH. This saturated dicarboxylic acid exists as a white powder. It is found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is a precursor to diverse industrial products including polymers and plasticizers, as well as being a component of a number of hair and skin conditioners. AzA inhibits tyrosinase.
Natural skin care uses topical creams and lotions made of ingredients available in nature. Much of the recent literature reviews plant-derived ingredients, which may include herbs, roots, flowers and essential oils, but natural substances in skin care products include animal-derived products such as beeswax, and minerals. These substances may be combined with various carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers.
Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide, sold under the brand name Benzaclin among others, is a topical gel used for the treatment of acne. It is a fixed-dose combination of clindamycin, as the phosphate, an antibiotic; and benzoyl peroxide, an antiseptic.
Clindamycin/tretinoin is a topical gel used in the treatment of acne. The two active ingredients are the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate (1.2%) and tretinoin (0.025%), a retinoid. The two active ingredients perform different functions, the clindamycin is active against gram-positive bacteria, including streptococci and penicillin-resistant staphylococci. The Tretinoin element acts to reduce the amount of oil released by oil glands in skin, as well as encouraging skin cell replenishment. The topical treatment is stored in 2, 30, and 60 gram tubes and should be stored at 25°C (77°F), with the tube tightly shut away from light. Side effects may include peeling, redness, dryness, itching and photosensitivity. Also, topical clindamycin may rarely cause diarrhea or colitis. Sun exposure while using this preparation can cause skin irritation.
A pimple or zit is a kind of comedo that results from excess sebum and dead skin cells getting trapped in the pores of the skin. In its aggravated state, it may evolve into a pustule or papule. Pimples can be treated by acne medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories prescribed by a physician, or various over the counter remedies purchased at a pharmacy.
Photoaging or photoageing is a term used for the characteristic changes to skin induced by chronic UVA and UVB exposure. Tretinoin is the best studied retinoid in the treatment of photoaging.
Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, sold under the brand name Epiduo among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication for the treatment of acne vulgaris. It is a combination of adapalene, a retinoid; and benzoyl peroxide.
Infantile acne is a form of acne that begins in very young children. Typical symptoms include inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions, papules and pustules most commonly present on the face. No cause of infantile acne has been established but it may be caused by increased sebaceous gland secretions due to elevated androgens, genetics and the fetal adrenal gland causing increased sebum production. Infantile acne can resolve by itself by age 1 or 2. However, treatment options include topical benzyl peroxide, topical retinoids and topical antibiotics in most cases.
The cream containing the drug combination fluocinolone acetonide/hydroquinone/tretinoin is used for the treatment of melasma .It is marketed by Galderma. In China, this generic drug with the same ingredients is sold under the trade name "Fumeida® (孚美达®乳膏)" and exclusively manufactured and marketed by Zhejiang Fonow Medicine Co., Ltd.(浙江孚诺药业股份有限公司)
Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate, sold under the brand name Taclonex among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication of the synthetic vitamin D3 analog calcipotriol (also known as calcipotriene) and the synthetic corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. It is used in the form of ointment, topical suspension, gel, aerosol, and foam.
Clascoterone, sold under the brand name Winlevi, is an antiandrogen medication which is used topically in the treatment of acne. It is also under development in a higher concentration for the treatment of androgen-dependent scalp hair loss, under the brand name Breezula. The medication is used as a cream by application to the skin, for instance the face and scalp.
Clindamycin/adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, sold under the brand name Cabtreo, is a fixed-dose combination medication used for the treatment of acne. It contains clindamycin, as the phosphate, a lincosamide antibacterial; adapalene, a synthetic retinoid; and benzoyl peroxide, an oxidizing agent. It is applied to the skin.
Halobetasol/tazarotene (Duobrii) is a topical combination drug used to treat plaque psoriasis. It combines 0.01% halobetasol propionate and 0.045% tazarotene in a lotion formulation. It was approved as a prescription drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2019 and by Health Canada in June 2020.