Duobrii

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Duobrii

Classes

Topical Antipsoriasis Agents

Administration
Topical Administration

For topical dermatologic use only. Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.
Avoid contact with the eyes. Not recommended for use on the face, groin, or in the axillae.
Women of childbearing potential should have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to beginning therapy. Treatment should begin during a menstrual period.[64076]

Cream/Ointment/Lotion Formulations

Ensure skin is dry before applying lotion.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin. Rub lotion in gently and completely.
Restrict application to the affected area(s) and try to avoid the normal surrounding skin. Do not use on eczematous skin as severe irritation may occur.
Application may cause excessive irritation in the skin of certain sensitive individuals. If therapy must be temporarily discontinued or if the dosing needs to be reduced to an interval that the patient can tolerate, therapy may be resumed or the frequency of application may be increased as the patient becomes able to tolerate the treatment.
Do not cover the treated area(s) with occlusive dressings.
Wash hands thoroughly after application.[64076]

Adverse Reactions
Severe

skin atrophy / Delayed / 2.0-2.0
papilledema / Delayed / Incidence not known
increased intracranial pressure / Early / Incidence not known
ocular hypertension / Delayed / Incidence not known
visual impairment / Early / Incidence not known

Moderate

contact dermatitis / Delayed / 7.0-7.0
Cushing's syndrome / Delayed / Incidence not known
adrenocortical insufficiency / Delayed / Incidence not known
glycosuria / Early / Incidence not known
pseudotumor cerebri / Delayed / Incidence not known
hyperglycemia / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression / Delayed / Incidence not known
growth inhibition / Delayed / Incidence not known
cataracts / Delayed / Incidence not known
impaired wound healing / Delayed / Incidence not known

Mild

folliculitis / Delayed / 2.0-2.0
rash / Early / 1.0-1.0
striae / Delayed / Incidence not known
telangiectasia / Delayed / Incidence not known
photosensitivity / Delayed / Incidence not known
headache / Early / Incidence not known

Common Brand Names

Duobrii

Dea Class

Rx

Description

Topical combination product of very high potency, fluorinated corticosteroid and a retinoid
Used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults
Contraindicated for use during pregnancy; perform pregnancy testing within 2 weeks of treatment; use birth control during treatment

Dosage And Indications
For the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Topical dosage Adults

Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once daily. Max: 50 g/week. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. The use of mid- or high-potency topical corticosteroid in combination with tazarotene for 8 to 16 weeks is more effective than monotherapy with tazarotene and is recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis; the use of corticosteroids in combination with tazarotene decreases the duration of treatment as well as increases the length of remission.

Dosing Considerations
Hepatic Impairment

Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.

Renal Impairment

Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.

Drug Interactions

Adapalene; Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Concomitant use of tazarotene and dermatologic products containing benzoyl peroxide should be avoided. The manufacturer suggests that a patient's skin rest until the effects of such preparations subside before using tazarotene. When used together as part of acne therapy, these medications should be used separately at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Aliskiren; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Amiloride; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Aminolevulinic Acid: (Moderate) Tazarotene may increase the effects of photosensitizing agents used during photodynamic therapy; concurrent use of photosensitizing agents is often recommended against by the specific photodynamic therapy, or doses of the therapy may require adjustment.
Amlodipine; Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Atenolol; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Azilsartan; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Benazepril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Concomitant use of tazarotene and dermatologic products containing benzoyl peroxide should be avoided. The manufacturer suggests that a patient's skin rest until the effects of such preparations subside before using tazarotene. When used together as part of acne therapy, these medications should be used separately at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Clindamycin: (Moderate) Concomitant use of tazarotene and dermatologic products containing benzoyl peroxide should be avoided. The manufacturer suggests that a patient's skin rest until the effects of such preparations subside before using tazarotene. When used together as part of acne therapy, these medications should be used separately at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Erythromycin: (Moderate) Concomitant use of tazarotene and dermatologic products containing benzoyl peroxide should be avoided. The manufacturer suggests that a patient's skin rest until the effects of such preparations subside before using tazarotene. When used together as part of acne therapy, these medications should be used separately at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Sulfur: (Moderate) Concomitant use of tazarotene and dermatologic products containing benzoyl peroxide should be avoided. The manufacturer suggests that a patient's skin rest until the effects of such preparations subside before using tazarotene. When used together as part of acne therapy, these medications should be used separately at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Bisoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Candesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Captopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorothiazide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorpromazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorpropamide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorthalidone; Clonidine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Ciprofloxacin: (Moderate) Use tazarotene with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as ciprofloxacin, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Codeine; Promethazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Enalapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Eprosartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Fluphenazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Fosinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Gemifloxacin: (Moderate) Use tazarotene with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as gemifloxacin, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glimepiride: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glipizide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glipizide; Metformin: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glyburide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glyburide; Metformin: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Griseofulvin: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as griseofulvin, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Methyldopa: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Moexipril: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Indapamide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Levofloxacin: (Moderate) Use tazarotene with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as levofloxacin, due to the increased possibility of augmented phototoxicity.
Lisinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Losartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Methyclothiazide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Metolazone: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Metoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Moxifloxacin: (Moderate) Use tazarotene with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as moxifloxacin, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Ofloxacin: (Moderate) Use tazarotene with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as ofloxacin, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Olmesartan; Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Olmesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Perphenazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Perphenazine; Amitriptyline: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Phenothiazines: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Photosensitizing agents (topical): (Moderate) Tazarotene may increase the effects of photosensitizing agents used during photodynamic therapy; concurrent use of photosensitizing agents is often recommended against by the specific photodynamic therapy, or doses of the therapy may require adjustment.
Pioglitazone; Glimepiride: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Prochlorperazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Promethazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Promethazine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Promethazine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Propranolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Quinapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Spironolactone; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum: (Moderate) In theory it is possible that additive photosensitizing effects may result from the concomitant use of St. John's wort with other photosensitizing drugs such as retinoids.
Sulfonylureas: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Telmisartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Tetracyclines: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as tetracyclines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Thiazide diuretics: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Thioridazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Tolazamide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Tolbutamide: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Tretinoin; Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Concomitant use of tazarotene and dermatologic products containing benzoyl peroxide should be avoided. The manufacturer suggests that a patient's skin rest until the effects of such preparations subside before using tazarotene. When used together as part of acne therapy, these medications should be used separately at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Triamterene; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Trifluoperazine: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The manufacturer states that tazarotene should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.

How Supplied

DUOBRII Topical Lotion: 0.01-0.045%

Maximum Dosage
Adults

1 application per day topically; 50 grams per week topically.

Geriatric

1 application per day topically; 50 grams per week topically.

Adolescents

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Children

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Infants

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Neonates

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Mechanism Of Action

Halobetasol; tazarotene is a topically applied product that combines a corticosteroid with a retinoid.
 
Halobetasol: Halobetasol is a very high potency, fluorinated corticosteroid. The precise mechanism of action in the treatment of plaque psoriasis is unclear; however, corticosteroids are known to play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation, and protein regulation. At the cellular level, corticosteroids induce peptides called lipocortins. Lipocortins antagonize phospholipase A2, an enzyme which causes the breakdown of leukocyte lysosomal membranes to release arachidonic acid. This action decreases the subsequent formation and release of endogenous inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes, and the complement system. Early anti-inflammatory effects of topical corticosteroids include the inhibition of macrophage and leukocyte movement and activity in the inflamed area by reversing vascular dilation and permeability. Later inflammatory processes such as capillary production, collagen deposition, keloid (scar) formation also are inhibited by corticosteroids. Clinically, these actions correspond to decreased edema, erythema, pruritus, plaque formation and scaling of the affected skin.[30943] [50600] [64076]
 
Tazarotene: Tazarotene is a retinoid prodrug. Retinoids exert their pharmacologic effects through binding to specific retinoid receptors. Retinoid receptors are divided into retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and retinoic acid receptors (RARs); both types can be further divided into 3 subtypes: alpha, beta, and gamma. Retinoid receptors are structurally similar but have different affinities for different types of retinoids and distribution varies throughout the body resulting in a wide range of actions; the skin primarily contains RAR-gamma (90% of the total RARs) and alpha. Following topical application, tazarotene undergoes esterase hydrolysis to the active form, tazarotenic acid. Tazarotenic acid binds to all 3 members of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) family; however, the drug show relative selectivity for RAR-beta and RAR-gamma. By binding to these receptors, tazarotenic acid may modify gene expression; however, the exact mechanism of this action in the treatment of plaque psoriasis is unknown. The drug appears to modulate psoriasis through 3 mechanisms: normalization of abnormal keratinocyte differentiation, reduction in keratinocyte proliferation, and decrease in the expression of inflammatory markers. In vitro skin models and cell cultures show that tazarotene suppresses expression of several inflammatory markers whose build-up is an element of psoriasis scale expression [e.g., TGase-K (keratinocyte transglutaminase), MRP-8 (migration inhibitory factor-related protein), SKALP (skin-derived antileukoproteinase), hyperproliferation keratin K6, and involucrin]. In animal studies, topical tazarotene blocks induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, which is associated with cell proliferation and expression. Tazarotene has also been found to induce the expression of TIG-1, TIG-2, and TIG-3 (tazarotene-induced genes-1, 2, and 3), suppressor genes that may inhibit epidermal hyperproliferation in treated plaques.[64076] [64078]

Pharmacokinetics

Halobetasol; tazarotene is administered topically to the skin.
Halobetasol: Once in the systemic circulation, halobetasol is metabolized in the liver, but systemic metabolism has not been fully quantified. Excretion of halobetasol and its metabolites occurs via the urine and bile.[48615] [60291]
Tazarotene: Tazarotene is rapidly metabolized in the skin by esterase hydrolysis to form the active metabolite, tazarotenic acid. After being systemically absorbed, tazarotenic acid is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins. Tazarotenic acid is hydrophilic and is quickly metabolized systemically to sulfoxides, sulfones, and other metabolites, causing no apparent accumulation within body tissues. Elimination of the metabolites occurs via fecal and renal pathways. Tazarotenic acid exhibits a half-life of approximately 18 hours in both normal and psoriatic patients.[50163] [64076]
 
Affected cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and drug transporters: none

Topical Route

Systemic exposures of halobetasol, tazarotene, and tazarotenic acid were evaluated in a pharmacokinetic study involving 22 adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis affecting at least 20% of the body surface area. After once daily dosing for 28 days, systemic concentrations of halobetasol and tazarotene were quantifiable in 13 and 18 patients, respectively. Tazarotenic acid was quantifiable in all 22 patients. For all three drug moieties, systemic exposures were at or near steady state by treatment day 28.[64076]

Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy

Halobetasole; tazarotene is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and in women who may become pregnant. To ensure the drug is not administered during pregnancy, treatment should be initiated during a menstrual period. Retinoids, such as tazarotene, may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. During animal embryofetal development studies, topical doses of tazarotene [11- to 116-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD)] were associated with reduced fetal body weight, reduced skeletal ossification, and known retinoid malformations such as spina bifida, hydrocephaly, and heart abnormalities. When administered via the oral route at doses that produced exposures 9- to 228-times the MRHD, tazarotene was associated with developmental delays, malformations, and post-implantation losses in rats and rabbits. Avoid use of very potent topical corticosteroids, such as halobetasol, during pregnancy. Guidelines recommend mild to moderate potency agents over potent corticosteroids. Increased risk of low birthweight has been reported when use of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids exceeded 300 grams during the entire pregnancy. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of teratogenic effects from topical application of halobetasol in pregnant women. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal, oral, and subcutaneous administration in animal studies. Halobetasol has greater potency, and thus greater teratogenic potential, than other topical corticosteroids. After systemic halobetasol propionate administration to pregnant mice and rabbits, increased malformations, such as cleft palate and skeletal abnormalities, were observed. If a patient becomes pregnant while using this drug, treatment should be immediately discontinued and the patient apprised of the potential risks to the fetus.[62792] [64076]

It is not known whether halobetasol; tazarotene is excreted in breast milk, produces adverse effects on nursing infants, or decreases milk production. If applied topically, care should be used to ensure the infant will not come into direct contact with the area of application, such as the breast. Advise breast-feeding women to avoid application to the nipple or areola. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally administered drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.[64076]