Acitretin: A Retinoic Acid Derivative that is an Active Metabolite of Etretinate
Acitretin is a retinoic acid (vitamin A acid) [
R0064] derivative that is the major active metabolite of etretinate [
E1293]. Acitretin s used for the treatment of severe psoriasis and other dyskeratoses, but the precise mechanism of action of it is not fully understood. However, the pharmacological profile of acitretin suggests that it acts by normalizing pathological changes in epidermal and dermal skin, particularly inhibiting hyperkeratinization and cell differentiation. In addition, acitretin reportedly has teratogenic potential. (The product is for research purpose only.)