Tazarotene
Description
Tazarotene is a topical medicine used for the treatment of acne and plaque psoriasis (red, itchy, and scaly patches on your skin) in adults. This medicine works by slowing down the excessive production of skin cells.
Tazarotene may cause some side effects like itching, burning sensation, redness, dryness, skin discolouration, and peeling. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist or become severe. Avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Tazarotene is meant for external use only. Wash and dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of this medicine. Do not apply more than the required quantity. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not cover the affected area with bandages or other dressing unless instructed by your doctor to do so. Inform your doctor if the symptoms do not improve within four weeks of using this medicine.
Tazarotene is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not available. Inform your doctor if you have any other skin conditions or using any other medications. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Tazarotene
- Burning or stinging sensation at application site
- Skin Rash
- Itching, redness or irritation at application site
- Dry skin
- Peeling of skin
Uses of Tazarotene
What is it prescribed for?
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Acne vulgaris
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Tazarotene to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Tazarotene remains active in your body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Tazarotene.
- Usage in pregnancy?Tazarotene is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause harmful effects on the development of your foetus.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Tazarotene is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Tazarotene is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, swelling/itching (especially of the face/lips throat), breathing difficulty, etc.
Pregnancy
Tazarotene is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy as it may cause harm to the developing foetus.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Tazarotene is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause harmful effects on the development of your foetus.
Breast-feeding
Tazarotene is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Use in children
Tazarotene is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not clinically established.
Pregnancy
Avoid getting pregnant during treatment with Tazarotene as it may harm your foetus. Consult your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.
External use
Tazarotene is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, open wounds, etc.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose of Tazarotene as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
An overdose of Tazarotene is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of Tazarotene may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Methoxsalen
Salicylic Acid (Topical)
Verteporfin
Disease interactions
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that causes patches of itchiness, swelling and cracked skin. Avoid using Tazarotene if you have this condition as it may lead to side effects.
Sunburn
Use Tazarotene with extreme caution as it may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase the risk of skin irritation and sunburn. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen or protective clothing before going out in the sun.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply a thin layer of Tazarotene to the affected area as instructed by your doctor.
Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not apply in larger or smaller quantities than recommended.
Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight as this medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Tazarotene works by slowing down the excessive production of skin cells and also decreasing skin cell inflammation (swelling).
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical antipsoriatics, Topical acne agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2021. Tazarotene Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 20 December 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Zorac 0.05% Gel - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 20 December 2021].
M, D., S, N., AT, A. and RA, C., 2021. Molecular mechanisms of tazarotene action in psoriasis. [online] PubMed. Available at: < [Accessed 20 December 2021].
Mayoclinic.org. 2021. Tazarotene (Topical Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 20 December 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 6 Jan 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.