Acitretin, sold under the brand names Neotigason[2] and Soriatane,[5] is a second-generation retinoid.

They induce keratinocyte differentiation and reduce epidermal hyperplasia, leading to the slowing of cell reproduction.

Patients who have received the medication are advised against giving blood for at least three years due to the risk of birth defects.

Sexually active women of childbearing age who use acitretin should also use at least two forms of birth control concurrently.

Etretinate was discontinued because it had a narrow therapeutic index as well as a long elimination half-life (t1/2 = 120 days), making dosing difficult.