The introduction of tazarotene in acne is a recent one. Tazarotene is a third generation retinoid, available in cream, gel, and ointment. Tazarotene normalizes keratinocyte differentiation, reduces keratinocyte proliferation and reduces inflammation in acne.
Because retinoids may cause fetal abnormalities when administered to pregnant women, Tazarotene, as other topical retinoids, is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Hence it is imperative that women who can become pregnant use adequate birth control measures when Tazarotene is used in acne.
The advantage of using Tazarotene in acne is that it can be used as a short contact therapy to avoid adverse effects on the skin.
Tazarotene 0.1% gel as a short contact therapy in acne
Tazarotene is a pro-drug, and it is thought that it takes 2-5 minutes for its metabolic conversion to the active compound. So short contact time is enough for the drug to penetrate either via the epidermal intercellular route or through the hair orifice and get converted into the active metabolite.
In the short contact method of Tazarotene, a small amount of the medication is applied to the face for two minutes and then rinsed off. The treatment is repeated twice daily with the contact time adjusted in the range of 30 secs to 5 minutes, based on the patient's ability to tolerate the medication. This effectively reduces the chances of adverse local reactions to the retinoids.
Also see combination therapy in acne
Adverse Effects of Tazarotene in Acne
- 10-30% patients have reported excessive scaling, dryness, red color and burning sensation after using Tazarotene.
- 1-5% cases experience itching, irritation, face pain and stinging on the face after application
- To avoid the topical adverse effects of Tazarotene in acne, the following precautions may be taken:
- Apply Tazarotene only to the affected areas, not all over the face
- Apply Tazarotene only at night
- As far as possible, stick to the short contact therapy (see above).
