Tazarotene

TAZORAC

Open Tazarotene in the interactive console ↗

Pronunciation: taz-AR-oe-teen (TAZ-or-ak)

Tazarotene ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Tazarotene ballicule

What it isTopical retinoid and RAR agonist; plaque psoriasis and acne.

Why this oneUnlike adapalene or tretinoin, it carries both acne and plaque-psoriasis indications.

What limits itIrritation commonly limits use, and retinoid teratogenicity makes pregnancy a contraindication.

Tazarotene molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Tazarotene

FDA-approved for

plaque psoriasis and acne vulgaris (1997)

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Plaque psoriasis	Adults & peds ≥12 yr	0.05% gel QHS	increase to 0.1% if tolerated	≤20% BSA
Acne vulgaris	Adults & peds ≥12 yr	0.1% gel QHS	0.1% QHS

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Topical only; thin layer to affected area in the evening, wash hands after
Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use; rinse with water if contact with mucous membranes/eyes
Apply to dry skin; if emollients used, apply ≥1 hr before gel
Use daily sunscreen and protective clothing
Not for eczematous skin

Available strengths

cream 0.05, 0.1 %
gel 0.05, 0.1 %
foam 0.1 %
lotion 0.045 %

Contraindications

Pregnancy (teratogen)

Cautions

Embryofetal toxicity: negative pregnancy test within 2 wk before start and effective contraception during use
Local irritation (pruritus, burning, erythema, peeling) — reduce frequency or concentration; do not use on eczematous skin
Photosensitivity / sunburn risk; caution with other photosensitizers

Adverse reactions

Psoriasis: pruritus, burning/stinging, erythema, worsening psoriasis, irritation, skin pain
Acne: desquamation, burning/stinging, dry skin, erythema, pruritus

Pregnancy Contraindicated — may cause fetal harm (retinoid teratogen); discontinue if pregnancy recognized

Lactation No human data; consider benefits vs mother's need (present in rat milk)

Cost

Tazarotene (TAZORAC)

Strength		#/mo	CostPlus
0.05 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.1 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	gel	per unit	not offered
0.1 %	gel	per unit	not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Tazarotene is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Generic entry2017

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskIrritation; teratogenic

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger0 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk3 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryX

Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.

Open Tazarotene in the interactive console ↗