tazarotene

Modality

small molecule

Mechanism

12.1 Mechanism of Action Tazarotene is a retinoid prodrug which is converted to its active form, the carboxylic acid of tazarotene, by deesterification. Tazarotenic acid binds to all three members of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) family: RARα, RARβ, and RARɣ, but shows relative selectivity for RARβ, and RARɣ and may modify gene expression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

Targets

RAR, RXR

Storage

—

Approved

psoriasis — FDA · acne vulgaris — FDA

In trial

psoriasis, acne vulgaris

Sources

DailyMed (FDA label)DrugBank ClinicalTrials.gov

Last verified

2026-06-14

No curated MOA diagram yet. See lib/moa-data.ts for the shape; add an entry keyed by tazarotene.

Formulations

0.05% cream / gel0.1% cream / gel0.045% lotion