What are the contraindications for using oral acitretin?

The contraindications are the same as for oral isotretinin (previously discussed). As for isotretinoin, acitretin is a pregnancy category X drug and is absolutely contraindicated in pregnant patients. In contrast to isotretinoin, which has a terminal elimination half-life of 10 to 20 hours, acitretin has a longer half-life of 2 to 4 days. Acitretin should not be taken with alcohol, because the alcohol induces esterification of acitretin to etretinate, which has a terminal half-life of 120 days. Women of childbearing age should begin effective contraception for at least 1 month before starting therapy and continue for at least 3 years after discontinuation of therapy.