etretinate /etret″ināt/ , a synthetic derivative of vitamin A used as an oral drug to treat psoriasis. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for severe recalcitrant psoriasis, including generalized pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is contraindicated for women who are of childbearing age unless a pregnancy test within 2 weeks of the start of therapy has negative results. Because of the risk of hyperostosis, the drug should not be given to children unless all alternative therapies have been exhausted. Intolerance to vitamin A derivative is another contraindication. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects may include benign intracranial hypertension, hepatitis, visual abnormalities including corneal damage, skeletal hyperostosis, peeling skin, alopecia, muscle cramps, and headache.
