Neotigason

What is it?

A retinoid, vitamin A derivative available as capsules in two strengths; brown/white contain 10mg of acitretin and brown/yellow capsules contain 25mg of acitretin, all marked ROCHE.

Medical Uses

Severe psoriasis, congenital ichthyosis, Darier's disease (skin disease with brown or black wartlike patches), palmoplantar pustulosis.

Dosage

Adults, 25 to 30mg each day at first for 2 to 4 weeks increasing to a maximum of 75mg per day, according to response. 25 to 50mg each day for maintenance and with a maximum treatment period of 6 months.

Special Care

Diabetes, teratogenic so effective contraception necessary during treatment and for 2 years after stopping. Diabetes, monitor liver, serum lipids and bone. Do not donate blood for 1 year after stopping treatment. Liver function, blood lipids and bones should be monitored during the course of treatment.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, kidney or liver disease, chronic high levels of blood lipids.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Alcohol, tetracyclines, methotrexate, high doses of vitamin A.

Known Side Effects

Hair loss, itching, skin reddening, dryness, erosion of mucous membranes, nausea, headache, sweating, drowsiness, muscle and bone pain, bone thickening (long-term use), liver disorders, conjunctivitis, rhinitis (sneezing/runny nose), nose bleeds, fragile nails, eye effects, disturbance of vision (stop drug and refer patient for neurological tests), skin eruptions, baldness, inflammation of gums, sensitivity to light, peeling of skin on palms and soles, liver toxicity.