Acitretin: Uses, Dosage & Safety Tips

If you’ve heard of acitretin but aren’t sure what it actually does, you’re in the right spot. It’s an oral retinoid prescribed mainly for tough skin conditions like psoriasis and severe acne that haven’t responded to creams or pills.

How Acitretin Works on Your Skin

Acitretin belongs to the vitamin A family. Once you swallow it, your body turns it into a molecule that slows down how fast skin cells grow. That slowdown stops plaques from piling up in psoriasis and helps clear clogged pores in acne.

Dosage Basics You Need to Know

Doctors usually start adults at 25 mg per day, then adjust based on response and side effects. Some people stay on a low dose (10‑20 mg) for long‑term control; others need a short high‑dose burst. Always follow the exact schedule your prescriber gives you – skipping doses can mess up how the drug works.

Take acitretin with food, preferably a big meal, to boost absorption. If you’re on a strict diet or have liver issues, tell your doctor; they might tweak the dose or run extra blood tests.

Common Side Effects and What to Watch For

The most frequent complaints are dry skin, lips, and eyes. A good lip balm and moisturiser can keep you comfortable. Some people get headaches, muscle aches, or mild nausea – usually easy to manage with food or a short break.

More serious concerns include high triglycerides, liver enzyme changes, and birth defects. That’s why women of child‑bearing age must use two reliable forms of contraception during treatment and for at least three years after stopping acitretin.

Safety Checklist Before Starting

• Tell your doctor about any pregnancy plans or recent pregnancies.
• Share a full list of meds – especially steroids, blood thinners, or other retinoids.
• Get baseline liver function and lipid tests; repeat them every few months.
• Avoid alcohol if you have liver concerns; it can worsen side effects.

If you notice severe skin peeling, joint pain, or visual changes, call your doctor right away. Those signals could mean the dose is too high or a rare reaction is happening.

Practical Tips for Everyday Use

Drink plenty of water and keep a moisturizer handy – dry skin is the most common annoyance. Sunscreen isn’t optional; acitretin makes you extra sun‑sensitive, so use SPF 30+ daily. Consider a vitamin D supplement if your doctor recommends it – retinoids can lower calcium levels in some users.

Lastly, keep a medication diary. Write down the dose, any side effects, and how your skin looks each week. That record helps you and your doctor decide when to stay steady or make adjustments.

Acitretin isn’t for everyone, but for many it’s a game‑changer that brings stubborn psoriasis or acne under control. Follow these basics, stay in touch with your healthcare team, and you’ll get the most out of this powerful skin medication.