Acrotac 10mg Tab

ACROTAC 10MG TAB by SUN PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRIES LTD

Acrotac 10mg Tablet is a retinoid medication used for treating severe skin conditions, particularly psoriasis. Manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., it works by regulating skin cell growth and reducing inflammation.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Acrotac 10mg Tablet
  • Common Name: Acitretin

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Acitretin 10 mg

• Uses: Acrotac 10mg Tablet is primarily prescribed for:

  • Treatment of severe psoriasis, especially when other treatments are ineffective.
  • Management of other severe keratinization disorders such as ichthyosis, pityriasis, lichen planus, and keratosis follicularis (Darier's disease). It helps reduce thickening, plaque formation, and scaling of the skin.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Typically, one capsule daily, or as advised by a healthcare professional.
  • Should be taken with food or a glass of milk to enhance absorption.
  • The exact dose and duration depend on the condition and patient response. Do not stop treatment prematurely.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Dry lips, dry mouth, skin peeling or thinning, itching, hair loss, dry eyes, nosebleeds, and increased blood fat levels.
  • Serious: Rare allergic reactions (rash, swelling), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, or vision problems, particularly at night. May also cause liver damage; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, yellowing skin/eyes, or dark urine.

• Precautions:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Highly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to risk of birth defects. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and for at least three years after treatment, and undergo regular pregnancy tests.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption during and for at least two months after treatment, as it can increase side effects and prolong the medicine's presence in the body.
  • Liver/Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment. Regular monitoring of liver function and cholesterol levels is necessary.
  • Other Interactions: Avoid concomitant use with tetracycline antibiotics, methotrexate, low-dose progesterone-only contraceptives, or other retinoids/high-dose Vitamin A supplements.
  • Sun Sensitivity: Increases skin sensitivity to sunlight; use sunscreen and protective clothing.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

ACROTAC 10MG TAB contains the active ingredient Acitretin, a retinoid similar to vitamin A, used to treat severe skin conditions. It works by regulating skin cell growth and differentiation.

What is ACROTAC 10MG TAB used for?

ACROTAC 10MG TAB is primarily used to treat severe forms of psoriasis in adults. It is also prescribed for other severe skin conditions characterized by thickened and scaly skin, such as ichthyosis, keratosis follicularis (Darier's disease), palmoplantar pustulosis, and certain types of severe hand dermatitis.

How does ACROTAC 10MG TAB work?

ACROTAC 10MG TAB works by targeting specific receptors within skin cells (retinoic acid receptors, RARs, and retinoid X receptors, RXRs). By binding to these receptors, it influences gene transcription, leading to antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. This action helps to normalize the growth and differentiation of skin cells, thereby reducing the excessive thickening and scaling seen in conditions like psoriasis.

What is the usual dosage for ACROTAC 10MG TAB?

The dosage of ACROTAC 10MG TAB is individualized based on the patient's condition and tolerability. For adults with severe psoriasis, an initial dose typically ranges from 25 to 50 mg orally once daily, taken with the main meal. Maintenance doses are also generally between 25 and 50 mg daily. For conditions like Darier's disease, a starting dose of 10 mg may be considered. It is important to take this medication with food to enhance absorption.

What are the possible side effects of ACROTAC 10MG TAB?

Many side effects are related to the drying and peeling of skin and mucous membranes. Common side effects include dry lips (cheilitis), dry skin, peeling of skin (especially on hands and feet), dry eyes, dry mouth, hair loss, joint pain, muscle stiffness, runny or irritated nose, nosebleeds, and increased levels of blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides).

More serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include severe headache, blurred vision or changes in vision (especially night vision), signs of liver injury (e.g., yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea, vomiting, upper right abdominal pain), severe stomach pain, or significant mood changes including depression or aggression.

Is ACROTAC 10MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, ACROTAC 10MG TAB is not safe during pregnancy and is strictly contraindicated. It is highly teratogenic, meaning it can cause severe birth defects. Women of childbearing potential must use two reliable forms of contraception simultaneously for at least one month before starting treatment, throughout the treatment period, and for at least three years after discontinuing the medication.

Alcohol consumption must be completely avoided during treatment and for at least two months after stopping ACROTAC 10MG TAB for women of childbearing potential, as alcohol can lead to the formation of etretinate, a metabolite with a much longer half-life that prolongs the risk of birth defects.

ACROTAC 10MG TAB is also contraindicated during breastfeeding because the drug can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the infant.

Can ACROTAC 10MG TAB be taken with other medications?

ACROTAC 10MG TAB can interact with several medications. It should not be taken with:

• Alcohol: Increases the risk of severe birth defects due to etretinate formation and also increases the risk of liver damage.
• Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline): Can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure around the brain).
• Methotrexate: Significantly increases the risk of liver problems.
• Vitamin A supplements and other retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin): Can lead to excessive levels of vitamin A and related toxicities.
• Progestin-only birth control pills (minipills): ACROTAC 10MG TAB may reduce their effectiveness, necessitating additional contraceptive methods.
• Phenytoin: May increase the side effects of phenytoin.
• St. John's wort: Can interfere with hormonal contraceptives.

Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking ACROTAC 10MG TAB?

• Pregnancy Prevention: Women of childbearing potential must adhere to strict contraception guidelines (two effective methods) during and for three years after treatment.
• Alcohol Avoidance: All patients, especially women of childbearing potential, must avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least two months after stopping.
• Blood Donation: Do not donate blood during treatment or for three years after discontinuing ACROTAC 10MG TAB to prevent potential exposure to pregnant recipients.
• Monitoring: Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor liver function, blood lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides), and blood sugar levels.
• Vision: ACROTAC 10MG TAB can cause dry eyes and may impair night vision. Use lubricating eye drops if needed and exercise caution when driving at night.
• Sun Sensitivity: Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, or a history of mood disorders.
• Children: ACROTAC 10MG TAB is generally not recommended for children due to potential effects on bone growth.

What happens if a dose of ACROTAC 10MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of ACROTAC 10MG TAB, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should ACROTAC 10MG TAB be stored?

ACROTAC 10MG TAB should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.