Acitretin is a powerful oral retinoid used for severe psoriasis. If someone takes too much, the effects can be serious. You need quick, practical steps — not jargon. This page tells you common overdose signs, immediate actions you can take, and what doctors usually do.
Overdose symptoms usually show up as worse versions of the usual side effects. Watch for: severe dry skin, lips and eyes; peeling or cracking skin; redness; intense headache; nausea, vomiting or stomach pain; dizziness or confused thinking; extreme tiredness. Big overdoses can raise blood fats (triglycerides) and harm the liver, so look for stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual bruising. For anyone who can become pregnant, remember acitretin is highly teratogenic — exposure around the time of conception or during pregnancy risks serious birth defects.
If you suspect an overdose, act fast. Call your local emergency number or the poison control center immediately. If the person swallowed the drug within a short time (usually within a couple of hours), the emergency team or doctor may give activated charcoal to reduce absorption. Don’t try to induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
While waiting for help: keep the person calm, don’t give anything by mouth unless advised, and note how much and when the medication was taken. Bring the medication bottle to the hospital — that helps clinicians decide treatment quickly.
At the hospital, doctors will monitor breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, and start blood tests to check liver enzymes and triglycerides. There’s no specific antidote for acitretin; care is supportive. That means fluids for dehydration, medicines for nausea and pain, and close monitoring of liver and pancreatic function. If triglycerides are very high, doctors may start treatment to lower them and reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
Because acitretin can convert to a longer-lasting compound (etretinate) when alcohol is used, tell staff about recent alcohol intake. Women who can get pregnant will get urgent counseling: pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for years after stopping the drug. If pregnancy might have occurred, contact a specialist immediately — early discussion with a maternal-fetal medicine doctor is needed.
After the acute phase, follow-up will include repeat blood tests and skin care for dryness and irritation. Avoid vitamin A supplements and other retinoids. If mood changes or suicidal thoughts appear after overdose, seek mental health help right away — retinoids can affect mood in some people.
Quick summary: any suspected acitretin overdose needs emergency contact and medical assessment. Keep medication info handy, avoid alcohol, and get monitored blood work. If you’re worried now, call emergency services or poison control — don’t wait.
Jun, 27 2023
Acitretin overdose is a serious medical condition that can result in symptoms like headache, dizziness, vomiting, and even changes in the skin. Immediate medical attention is crucial to manage these symptoms and prevent further complications. Treatment typically involves supportive care, including managing symptoms and potentially using activated charcoal to prevent the drug from being absorbed in the body. To prevent an overdose, it is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Always keep all medications out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion.