Acitrin 20mg Capsule
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Ipca Laboratories Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Acitretin (20mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Retinoids |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | DERMA |
| Action Class | Retinoids- Second generation |
| User Rating | 4.2 |
| User Reviews | 514 |
FAQ
Is Acitrin 20mg an immunosuppressant?
No, Acitrin 20mg is not an immunosuppressant. It belongs to the retinoid class of medicines. It is used to treat severe form of psoriasis.
How long does Acitrin 20mg take to work?
Acitrin 20mg does not work right away. It may take about 2-4 weeks to see an improvement and about 2-3 months before you see the full benefits of this medicine. Therefore, you should continue taking it even if you do not see any improvement initially.
What is the most important information that I should know about Acitrin 20mg?
Acitrin 20mg can cause serious birth defects in your unborn child. Therefore, you should not take Acitrin 20mg if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within the next 3 years. Acitrin 20mg may also cause liver damage. Therefore, contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
What should I avoid while taking Acitrin 20mg?
Acitrin 20mg may affect your night vision. Therefore, you should avoid driving at night. Avoid supplemental foods containing vitamin A while taking this medicine since it may add to the side effects. Also, avoid sunlight and sun lamps as Acitrin 20mg can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Can I donate blood while on Acitrin 20mg?
No, you should not donate blood while on Acitrin 20mg. Moreover, do not donate blood 3 years after stopping the treatment with Acitrin 20mg. The medicine present in your blood can harm an unborn child if your blood is given to a pregnant mother. However, Acitrin 20mg does not affect your ability to receive a blood transfusion.
Is Acitrin 20mg an immunosuppressant?
No, Acitrin 20mg is not an immunosuppressant. It belongs to the retinoid class of medicines. It is used to treat severe form of psoriasis.
What should I avoid while taking Acitrin 20mg?
Acitrin 20mg may affect your night vision. Therefore, you should avoid driving at night. Avoid supplemental foods containing vitamin A while taking this medicine since it may add to the side effects. Also, avoid sunlight and sun lamps as Acitrin 20mg can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Can I donate blood while on Acitrin 20mg?
No, you should not donate blood while on Acitrin 20mg. Moreover, do not donate blood 3 years after stopping the treatment with Acitrin 20mg. The medicine present in your blood can harm an unborn child if your blood is given to a pregnant mother. However, Acitrin 20mg does not affect your ability to receive a blood transfusion.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Acitrin 20mg?
Do not consume anything that contains alcohol while taking Acitrin 20mg and for 2 months after treatment. Acitrin 20mg and alcohol combine to form a substance that may remain in the body for more than 3 years.
Does Acitrin 20mg affect sperm?
No, Acitrin 20mg does not affect the sperm. However, it has been seen that small amounts of this medicine may pass into the semen. But, this small amount does not pose a risk to an unborn child.
What is the most important information that I should know about Acitrin 20mg?
Acitrin 20mg can cause serious birth defects in your unborn child. Therefore, you should not take Acitrin 20mg if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within the next 3 years. Acitrin 20mg may also cause liver damage. Therefore, contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
Does Acitrin 20mg affect sperm?
No, Acitrin 20mg does not affect the sperm. However, it has been seen that small amounts of this medicine may pass into the semen. But, this small amount does not pose a risk to an unborn child.
How should I take Acitrin 20mg?
It is generally recommended to take Acitrin 20mg once daily with meals or milk. The dosage varies from person to person and is decided by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole and do not crush or cut it.
How long does Acitrin 20mg take to work?
Acitrin 20mg does not work right away. It may take about 2-4 weeks to see an improvement and about 2-3 months before you see the full benefits of this medicine. Therefore, you should continue taking it even if you do not see any improvement initially.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Acitrin 20mg?
Do not consume anything that contains alcohol while taking Acitrin 20mg and for 2 months after treatment. Acitrin 20mg and alcohol combine to form a substance that may remain in the body for more than 3 years.
How should I take Acitrin 20mg?
It is generally recommended to take Acitrin 20mg once daily with meals or milk. The dosage varies from person to person and is decided by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole and do not crush or cut it.
What if you forget to take Acitrin Capsule?
If you miss a dose of Acitrin 20mg, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Acitrin 20mg Capsule Reviews
Acitrin 20mg is a medicine that is similar to vitamin A and is involved in the normal growth of skin cells. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It works by stopping the overgrowth and thickening of skin cells.
Acitrin 20mg is taken with food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
The most common side effects are dry lips, dryness in the mouth, skin peeling, joint pain, itching, runny nose, nosebleeds, hair loss, and increased levels of blood fat. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can make dizziness worse.
Avoid sun exposure and cover the treated areas with clothing or use a sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. Your doctor may get your regular blood tests done to monitor your liver function and the levels of fats such as cholesterol in your blood. You should tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases so that your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose for you. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding as Acitrin 20mg can cause fetal abnormalities.
How Acitrin 20mg Capsule Works
Acitrin 20mg is a retinoid. It has a structure similar to vitamin A and is involved in the normal growth of skin cells. It works by stopping overgrowth and thickening of skin cells in psoriasis.
How to Use Acitrin 20mg Capsule
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Acitrin 20mg is to be taken with food.
Uses of Acitrin 20mg Capsule
- Psoriasis
Acitrin 20mg Capsule Side Effects
Safety Tips
Driving
UNSAFE
Acitrin 20mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Liver
CAUTION
Acitrin 20mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Acitrin 20mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Acitrin 20mg.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Acitrin 20mg is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Acitrin 20mg is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Kidney
CAUTION
Acitrin 20mg should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Acitrin 20mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- You will need to take pregnancy tests regularly if you are on treatment with and for at least 3 years after you stop taking this medicine.
- Acitrin 20mg helps reduce thickening, plaque formation and scaling of the skin in conditions such as psoriasis.
- Your doctor may get your regular blood tests done to monitor your liver function and the levels of fats such as cholesterol in your blood.
- Acitrin 20mg helps reduce thickening, plaque formation and scaling of the skin in conditions such as psoriasis.
- It may cause dryness of skin, mouth, and lips. Drink plenty of water and use a moisturiser and lip balm, if needed.
- Do not take Acitrin 20mg if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding as it can cause birth defects in babies. Use effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy.
- It may cause dry eyes and blurring of vision. Avoid wearing contact lenses and be cautious before driving or using machines.
- It may cause dryness of skin, mouth, and lips. Drink plenty of water and use a moisturiser and lip balm, if needed.
- Your doctor may get your regular blood tests done to monitor your liver function and the levels of fats such as cholesterol in your blood.
- Take it at the same time every day with food or a glass of milk.
- It may cause dry eyes and blurring of vision. Avoid wearing contact lenses and be cautious before driving or using machines.
- Do not take Acitrin 20mg if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding as it can cause birth defects in babies. Use effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy.
- You will need to take pregnancy tests regularly if you are on treatment with and for at least 3 years after you stop taking this medicine.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight while using Acitrin 20mg as it increases the sensitivity of your skin. Use protective measures such as sun-creams and protective clothing.
- Take it at the same time every day with food or a glass of milk.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight while using Acitrin 20mg as it increases the sensitivity of your skin. Use protective measures such as sun-creams and protective clothing.
References
- Acitretin. Huddersfield, UK: Genus Pharmaceuticals; 2015 [revised 12 Dec. 2016].
- Burkhart C, Morrell D, Goldsmith L. Dermatological Pharmacology. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1812.
- Acitretin. Palo Alto, CA: Connetics Corporation; Mar. 2004.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 15-17.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198.
- Acitretin [Pacakge Insert]. Palo Alto, CA: Connetics Corporation; 2014.