Acitrin 20mg Capsule

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma, MBA, MBBS

Last updated on 21 Jan 2026 | 04:43 PM (IST)

Acitrin 20mg Capsule is a medicine that is similar to vitamin A and is involved in the normal growth of skin cells. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It works by stopping the overgrowth and thickening of skin cells.

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General Information

Contains

Acitretin (20mg)

Marketer

Ipca Laboratories Ltd

Storage

Store below 30°C

The content is shown in English

Product introduction

Acitrin 20mg Capsule is taken with food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.

The most common side effects are dry lips, dryness in the mouth, skin peeling, joint pain, itching, runny nose, nosebleeds, hair loss, and increased levels of blood fat. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can make dizziness worse.

Avoid sun exposure and cover the treated areas with clothing or use a sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. Your doctor may get your regular blood tests done to monitor your liver function and the levels of fats such as cholesterol in your blood. You should tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases so that your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose for you. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding as Acitrin 20mg Capsule can cause fetal abnormalities.

Uses of Acitrin Capsule

Psoriasis

Benefits of Acitrin Capsule

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition marked by rapid skin cell buildup, leading to red, scaly patches. Acitrin 20mg Capsule helps slow down the excessive growth of skin cells, reduces inflammation, and improves the appearance of psoriatic plaques. It is especially effective in severe cases and helps maintain clearer skin over time.

Side effects of Acitrin Capsule

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Acitrin

Dry skin
Dry eye
Inflammation of the nose
Lip inflammation
Dryness in mouth
Itching
Skin peeling
Hair loss

How to use Acitrin Capsule

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Acitrin 20mg Capsule should be taken with or after food.

How Acitrin Capsule works

Acitrin 20mg Capsule is a retinoid. It has a structure similar to vitamin A and is involved in the normal growth of skin cells. It works by stopping the overgrowth and thickening of skin cells in psoriasis.

Quick tips

Take it at the same time every day with food or a glass of milk.
You will need to take pregnancy tests regularly if you are on treatment with and for at least 3 years after you stop taking this medicine.
Avoid exposure to sunlight while using Acitrin 20mg Capsule, as it increases your skin's sensitivity. Use protective measures such as sun creams and protective clothing.
It may cause dryness of the skin, mouth, and lips. Drink plenty of water and use a moisturiser and lip balm, if needed.
It may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. Avoid wearing contact lenses and exercise caution before driving or operating machinery.
Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and the levels of fats, such as cholesterol, in your blood.

Safety advice

Alcohol

UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Acitrin 20mg Capsule

Pregnancy

UNSAFE

Acitrin 20mg Capsule is highly unsafe during pregnancy. It can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including birth defects and pregnancy loss. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breast feeding

UNSAFE

Acitrin 20mg Capsule is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Acitrin 20mg Capsule may cause temporary visual disturbances. Do not drive until your vision is clear.

Kidney

UNSAFE

Acitrin 20mg Capsule is unsafe to use in patients with kidney disease and should be avoided.

Liver

UNSAFE

Acitrin 20mg Capsule is unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided.

Interaction with drugs

Taking Acitrin with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects

Severe

Demeclocycline (Oral Route)

Do not consume Acitretin with Demeclocycline.

Severe

Doxycycline (Oral Route)

Do not consume Acitretin with Doxycycline.

Severe

Doxycycline (Injection Route)

Do not consume Acitretin with Doxycycline.

Severe

Doxycycline (Oral Route)

Do not consume Acitretin with Doxycycline.

Severe

Lymecycline (Oral Route)

Do not consume Acitretin with Lymecycline.

Frequently asked questions

Is Acitrin 20mg Capsule an immunosuppressant?

No, Acitrin 20mg Capsule is not an immunosuppressant. It belongs to the retinoid class of medicines. It is used to treat severe form of psoriasis.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

Do not consume anything that contains alcohol while taking Acitrin 20mg Capsule and for 2 months after treatment. Acitrin 20mg Capsule and alcohol combine to form a substance that may remain in the body for more than 3 years.

How long does Acitrin 20mg Capsule take to work?

Acitrin 20mg Capsule does not work right away. It may take about 2-4 weeks to see an improvement and about 2-3 months before you see the full benefits of this medicine. Therefore, you should continue taking it even if you do not see any improvement initially.

What is the most important information that I should know about Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

Acitrin 20mg Capsule can cause serious birth defects in your unborn child. Therefore, you should not take Acitrin 20mg Capsule if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within the next 3 years. Acitrin 20mg Capsule may also cause liver damage. Therefore, contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.

How should I take Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

It is generally recommended to take Acitrin 20mg Capsule once daily with meals or milk. The dosage varies from person to person and is decided by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole and do not crush or cut it.

Can I donate blood while on Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

No, you should not donate blood while on Acitrin 20mg Capsule. Moreover, do not donate blood 3 years after stopping the treatment with Acitrin 20mg Capsule. The medicine present in your blood can harm an unborn child if your blood is given to a pregnant mother. However, Acitrin 20mg Capsule does not affect your ability to receive a blood transfusion.

What should I avoid while taking Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

Acitrin 20mg Capsule may affect your night vision. Therefore, you should avoid driving at night. Avoid supplemental foods containing vitamin A while taking this medicine since it may add to the side effects. Also, avoid sunlight and sun lamps as Acitrin 20mg Capsule can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Does Acitrin 20mg Capsule affect sperm?

No, Acitrin 20mg Capsule does not affect the sperm. However, it has been seen that small amounts of this medicine may pass into the semen. But, this small amount does not pose a risk to an unborn child.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Retinoids

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

DERMA

Action Class

Retinoids- Second generation

References

Burkhart C, Morrell D, Goldsmith L. Dermatological Pharmacology. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1812.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 15-17.
Acitretin [EMC SmPC]. Huddersfield, UK: Genus Pharmaceuticals; 2016. [Accessed 28 Jan. 2019] (online) Available from:
Acitretin [Prescribing Information]. Palo Alto, CA: Connetics Corporation; 2004. [Accessed 03 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 03 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Acitretin [Pacakge Insert]. Palo Alto, CA: Connetics Corporation; 2014. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024] (online) Available from:
Acitretin [Product Information]. Irene, South Africa: Pharmacorp (Pty) Ltd.; 2023.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

Marketer details

Name: Ipca Laboratories Ltd
Address: 142 AB, Kandivli Industrial Estate, Kandivli (West), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra

Vendor Details

Country of origin: India

Lab tests offered by us

Why we need a prescription?

Acitrin 20mg Capsule

Save more with additional offers

General Information

Contains

Marketer

Storage

Product introduction

Uses of Acitrin Capsule

Benefits of Acitrin Capsule

Side effects of Acitrin Capsule

How to use Acitrin Capsule

How Acitrin Capsule works

Quick tips

Safety advice

Alcohol

Pregnancy

Breast feeding

Driving

Kidney

Liver

Interaction with drugs

Demeclocycline (Oral Route)

Doxycycline (Oral Route)

Doxycycline (Injection Route)

Doxycycline (Oral Route)

Lymecycline (Oral Route)

Frequently asked questions

Is Acitrin 20mg Capsule an immunosuppressant?

Can I drink alcohol while taking Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

How long does Acitrin 20mg Capsule take to work?

What is the most important information that I should know about Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

How should I take Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

Can I donate blood while on Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

What should I avoid while taking Acitrin 20mg Capsule?

Does Acitrin 20mg Capsule affect sperm?

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

Action Class

References

User feedback

How much was the improvement?

Want to know more

Have issue with the content

Disclaimer

Marketer details

Vendor Details

Lab tests offered by us

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