[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Dermatological retinoids](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/dermatological-retinoids/) › Tazarotene

# Tazarotene

## Dermatological retinoids?

Dermatological retinoids

## Pregnancy: 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.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Dermatological retinoids](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Clinical What the labels mean

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## 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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/psoriasis/)
- Acne vulgaris [Acne vulgaris →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/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

### Serious (rare, important)

- Fetal harm if used in pregnancy
- Severe skin irritation

## 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

## Memory aid

TAZArotene: Teratogenic, Acne, Zones of psoriasis, Aging skin.

## 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.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/tazarotene/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## What the labels mean

**Pregnancy: contraindicated**
Contraindicated: it may harm the fetus, and pregnancy is avoided during use.

## Connections

## Related drugs 3

- [Adapalene](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/adapalene/)
- [Isotretinoin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/isotretinoin/)
- [Calcipotriol](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/calcipotriol/)

## Related conditions 2

- [Psoriasis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/psoriasis/)
- [Acne vulgaris](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acne-vulgaris/)

[← Back to the class: Dermatological retinoids](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616052.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2019); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=D05AX05) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tazarotene/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tazarotene/