Tazarotene

Tazarotene

Clinical data
Pregnancy category	X (U.S.)
Routes of administration	Topical
ATC code	D05AX05 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Pharmacokinetic data
Protein binding	>99%
Elimination half-life	19 Hours
Identifiers
IUPAC name ethyl 6-[2-(4,4-dimethylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl] pyridine-3-carboxylate
CAS Number	118292-40-3
PubChem CID	5381
DrugBank	APRD01246
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID5046691
ECHA InfoCard	100.115.380
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C21H21NO2S
Molar mass	351.463 g/mol g·mol−1

Tazarotene (marketed as Tazorac®, Avage® and Zorac®) is a prescription topical retinoid sold as a cream or gel. This medication is approved for treatment of psoriasis, acne, and sun damaged skin (photodamage). It is commonly sold in two concentrations: 0.05% and 0.1%.

Common side effects include worsening of acne, dry skin, itchiness, redness and in some cases extreme drying and cracking of skin. For most patients these side effects are uncomfortable but mild and decrease markedly after the first 2–4 weeks of use.

For best results dermatologists recommend applying the cream or gel once daily before bedtime after washing the face with a mild soap. Dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer with tazarotene so skin will not be as dry and flaky.