Acitretin
Also known as: Soriatane
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING**: Acitretin causes severe birth defects. **Pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant, MUST NOT handle this medication.** Veterinarians and clients must strictly manage the risk of exposure. * **Administration**: Give this medication consistently with food to increase its absorption and effectiveness. * **Side Effects**: Monitor your pet for signs of "dry eye" (squinting, thick eye discharge), dry or cracking footpads, vomiting, or loss of appetite. * **Cats**: If your cat stops eating or loses weight, contact your veterinarian immediately. The dosing schedule may need to be adjusted (e.g., given every other day). * **Cost**: Be aware that long-term therapy with this medication can be quite expensive.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Actinic keratosis/solar-induced squamous cell carcinoma; or Bowen's Disease
- Bowen's Disease
- Dermatologic conditions where retinoids may be useful
- Dermatologic conditions where retinoids may be useful
- Sebaceous adenitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cracking of foot pads
- Pruritus
- Ventral abdominal erythema
- Polydipsia
- Lassitude
- Joint pain/stiffness
- Eyelid abnormalities
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)
- Swollen tongue
- Behavioral changes
- Weight loss (especially in cats)
Cautions & contraindications
- Pregnancy (absolute contraindication)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Known sensitivity to acitretin or other retinoids
- > **TERATOGEN WARNING**: Acitretin is a known teratogen (FDA Category X). It should not be handled by pregnant women nor used in a household where women are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. * Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic failure. * May cause significant alterations in lipid profiles (hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia) and liver enzymes.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: Acitretin can form etretinate in the presence of alcohol; etretinate is a teratogen with an extremely long terminal half-life that can persist in adipose tissue for years.
- Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., methotrexate, ketoconazole, sulfonamides, fluconazole, macrolides): May increase the potential for hepatotoxicity.
- Other retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin, vitamin A): May cause additive toxic effects.
- Tetracyclines: May increase the potential for the occurrence of pseudotumor cerebri (cerebral edema and increased CSF pressure).
Frequently asked questions
What is Acitretin used for in pets?
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING**: Acitretin causes severe birth defects. **Pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant, MUST NOT handle this medication.** Veterinarians and clients must strictly manage the risk of exposure. * **Administration**: Give this medication consistently with food to increase its absorption and effectiveness. * **Side Effects**: Monitor your pet for signs of "dry eye" (squinting, thick eye discharge), dry or cracking footpads, vomiting, or loss of appetite. * **Cats**: If your cat stops eating or loses weight, contact your veterinarian immediately. The dosing schedule may need to be adjusted (e.g., given every other day). * **Cost**: Be aware that long-term therapy with this medication can be quite expensive.
Is Acitretin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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