Pharmacokinetics and safety review of tazarotene.

The safety profile of tazarotene is superior to that of orally administered retinoids. The limited percutaneous penetration of tazarotene limits its systemic absorption and this, combined with its rapid metabolism in the skin and the plasma to the more water-soluble active metabolite, tazarotenic acid, helps prevent accumulation of the drug in fat containing tissues. Urinary and fecal elimination are virtually complete within 2 to 3 days and 7 days after dosing, respectively. Tazarotene also exhibits no indication of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, phototoxic potential, photoallergic potential, or contact sensitization.