Alitretinoin

Class: Skin and Mucous Membrane Agents, Miscellaneous
VA Class: DE600
Chemical Name: (2E,4E,6Z,8E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid
Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₂₈O₂
CAS Number: 5300-03-8
Brands: Panretin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 24, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

A vitamin A derivative; naturally occurring endogenous retinoid with topical antineoplastic activity.

Uses for Alitretinoin

AIDS-related Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Treatment of cutaneous lesions associated with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Not recommended for treatment of systemic AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, characterized by ≥10 new lesions in the prior month, symptomatic lymphedema, symptomatic pulmonary Kaposi’s sarcoma, or symptomatic visceral disease.

No clinical experience to date in patients receiving systemic therapy for Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Alitretinoin Dosage and Administration

Administration

Topical Administration

Apply topically to skin.

Wait 20 minutes after bathing or showering before applying gel; avoid use of occlusive dressings or wrappings.

Avoid contact with healthy skin or mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nostrils, mouth, lips, vagina, tip of penis, rectum, anus); irritation may occur.

Allow gel to dry for 3–5 minutes before covering treated area with clothing.

If possible, do not bathe, shower, or swim for at least 3 hours after application.

If application-site toxicity occurs, reduce application frequency.

If severe irritation occurs, discontinue temporarily until manifestations subside.

Dosage

Adults

AIDS-related Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Topical

Initially, apply twice daily in sufficient amounts (to cover only affected areas). May increase application frequency gradually to 3 and then 4 times daily, according to individual lesion tolerance.

In some patients, appreciable response occurred only after ≥14 weeks of therapy.

Continue therapy as long as the patient derives benefit (has been applied for up to 175 weeks in clinical trials).

Cautions for Alitretinoin

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to retinoids or any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

May cause fetal harm; teratogenicity and embryotoxicity demonstrated in animals receiving oral alitretinoin. No reproduction studies in animals with topical alitretinoin.

No adequate and well...