ZORAC ® Tazarotene

ZORAC ® is a drug based on tazarotene

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antipsoriatics for topical use

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications ZORAC ® Tazarotene

ZORAC ® is indicated for the treatment of mild and moderate gross psoriasis.

Mechanism of action ZORAC ® Tazarotene

Tazarotene, the active ingredient of ZORAC ®, is a third generation retinoid with a marked antipsoriatic activity like other retinoids, commonly used in this therapy.

Topically applied tazarotene as a prodrug, it is de-esterified into tazarotenic acid, the biologically active form of the drug and the only metabolite derived from the above compound.

The latter easily penetrates the membranes of keratinocytes, interacting with a nuclear receptor, most likely belonging to the PPAR family, thus determining a modulation of gene expression such as:

reduce cell proliferation rate;
induce the differentiation process;
to control the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and chemotactic mediators for cellular elements of inflammation.

The combination of these events allows a better control of psoriatic disease, restoring the correct histological balance, normally compromised during psoriasis.

Everything is facilitated by advantageous pharmacokinetic properties that considerably limit the systemic absorption of the drug and the consequent potential side effects.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

TAZAROTENE IN PALM-PLANTAR PSORIASIS

Indian J Dermatol. 2011 Jan; 56 (1): 40-3. doi: 10.4103 / 0019-5154.77550.

Study that shows how tazarotene can be a valid ally in the treatment of palmo-plantar psoriasis, limiting some side effects typical of other therapies such as hypopigmentation.

TAZAROTENE IN THE TREATMENT OF THE PSORIASIS OF NAILS

Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Feb; 45 (2): 102-7. doi: 10.1002 / lsm.22122. Epub 2013 Feb 19.

Work demonstrating how the association between tazarotene and pulsed light can be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of psoriatic nail lesions

TAZAROTENE IN THE TREATMENT OF ACNE VOLGARE

J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Mar; 12 (3): s53-8.

Recent study that evaluates the possibility of extending the use of tazarotene also to patients suffering from acne vulgaris. Despite the first promising results, in many cases the application of this drug has been followed by local side effects linked to poor tolerability.

Method of use and dosage

ZORAC ®

Topical gel with 0.05% and 0.1% tazarotene

The duration of therapy and the type of concentration of the active ingredient to be used are choices that are up to the doctor after evaluating the patient's general health status and the clinical extent of the disease.

In principle, the application of the appropriate amount of gel directly on the area affected by the disease once a day, preferably in the evening, is sufficient to guarantee a prompt remission of the symptomatology in a few weeks of treatment.

Warnings ZORAC ® Tazarotene

The patient receiving ZORAC ® should pay particular attention to the use and application of the drug taking care of:

clean hands thoroughly after each application;
limit the application of the drug to the affected areas, not extending it to the neighboring areas and avoiding covering more than 10% of the entire body surface;
avoid the application of the drug on damaged skin regions, on the face and on the scalp;
avoid contact between eyes, mouth and mucous membranes and medication;
avoid exposure to solar radiation;
contact your doctor following the appearance of unwanted reactions;
keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Given the teratogenic and toxic effects of retinoids for fetal health it is necessary to extend the contraindications to the use of ZORAC ® also to pregnancy and the subsequent period of breastfeeding.

Interactions

The patient receiving ZORAC ® should avoid applying other products topically in the same treated skin area, especially if they are irritants and dehydrators.

Contraindications ZORAC ® Tazarotene

The use of ZORAC ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active substance or to one of its excipients, during pregnancy and lactation and in patients suffering from pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis.