Last update Nov. 13, 2024

Tazarotene

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Tazarotene is an acetylenic retinoid used for the topical treatment of mild to moderate acne, plaque psoriasis and signs of photoaging or sun-damaged skin (fine wrinkles, mottled skin pigmentation), acne vulgaris and plaque psoriasis.

As of the last update we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Only 2-3% of the drug is absorbed transcutaneously and plasma levels are only 0.09 ng/ml, although this value is largely a function of the surface area treated. It should not be applied to more than 20% of the body surface area, as it increases systemic absorption. (Hale, Yaghi 2024, Butler 2014)

Given the potential mutagenic properties, infant skin should not come into contact with treated areas of maternal skin. It should not be applied to the breast so that the infant cannot ingest the product. (Gottlieb 2019)

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Tazarotene in other languages or writings:

Group

Tazarotene belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Tazarotene in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100. (Dermat.: <6%) %
Molecular weight 352 daltons
Protein Binding 99 %
Tmax 9 hours
18 hours

References

  1. Yaghi M, McMullan P, Truong TM, Rothe M, Murase J, Grant-Kels JM. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: An update-Part II: Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Oct;91(4):651-668. Abstract
  2. Gottlieb AB, Ryan C, Murase JE. Clinical considerations for the management of psoriasis in women. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019 Apr 10;5(3):141-150. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Mar;70(3):417.e1-10; quiz 427. Abstract

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