Tazarotene
Dermatological retinoids
Dermatological retinoidsPregnancy: contraindicated
Contraindicated: it may harm the fetus, and pregnancy is avoided during use.
A topical third-generation retinoid for plaque psoriasis, acne and photoaging; it must not be used in pregnancy.
Quick facts
- Group
- Dermatological retinoids
- Target
- Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs)
- Used for
- Localised plaque psoriasis · Acne vulgaris
- Key effects
- Burning · Irritation of the eyelids or lips
- Monitor
- Skin irritation and response
- ATC
- D05AX05
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
Tazarotene is a third-generation retinoid designed for receptor-selective binding. It acts on nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), which pair with retinoid X receptors and bind DNA response elements. The receptor complex changes the transcription of genes for keratinocyte growth and differentiation, so the skin overgrowth and inflammation of psoriasis and acne fall.
- Gel, cream or foam is applied to the plaques or acne
- Drug acts on nuclear retinoic acid receptors
- Genes for keratinocyte growth and differentiation change
- Less scaling, plugging and inflammation
Indications
- Localised plaque psoriasis Psoriasis →
- Acne vulgaris Acne vulgaris →
- Facial fine wrinkles and mottled pigmentation (photoaging)
Adverse effects
Common
- Burning, stinging, itching, redness, peeling or dryness of treated skin
- Irritation of the eyelids or lips
- Sensitivity to sun and wind
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Hypersensitivity to tazarotene
- Sunburnt, broken or eczematous skin at the site
Key interactions
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Applied at a different time of day.
- Harsh, drying or alcohol-containing skin products
- Add to the irritation.
- Topical corticosteroids
- Often combined in psoriasis: they improve the effect and reduce the irritation.
What is monitored
- Pregnancy test before starting where needed
- Skin irritation and response
Administration and safety
- A thin layer is applied only to affected skin, avoiding the eyes and lips.
- Not applied to sunburnt, broken or eczema skin.
- The foam is flammable: no flames or smoking during and just after application.
- Hot wax and electrolysis are avoided on treated skin.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contraindicated: it may harm the fetus, and pregnancy is avoided during use.
Nursing care
- Confirm that the patient is not pregnant and uses effective contraception if pregnancy is possible.
- Teach sun protection and avoidance of tanning beds and sun lamps.
- Explain that irritation is common at first; severe or lasting irritation is reported.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Applied to the skin as a gel, cream, foam or lotion
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which receptors does tazarotene act on?
Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs).
Which three skin conditions is tazarotene used for?
Plaque psoriasis, acne vulgaris and photoaging.
Why is a pregnancy check important before topical tazarotene?
It is contraindicated in pregnancy because it may harm the fetus.
Connections
← Back to the class: Dermatological retinoids
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Tazarotene Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2019); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.