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Panretin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Panretin - General Information

An important regulator of gene expression during growth and development, and in neoplasms. Tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid and derived from maternal vitamin A, is essential for normal growth; and embryonic development. An excess of tretinoin can be teratogenic. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis; acne vulgaris; and several other skin diseases. It has also been approved for use in promyelocytic leukemia (leukemia, promyelocytic, acute). [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Panretin

Panretin (9-cis-retinoic acid) is a naturally-occurring endogenous retinoid indicated for topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Panretin inhibits the growth of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) cells in vitro.

 

Panretin for patients

 

Panretin Interactions

Patients who are applying Panretin® gel should not concurrently use products that contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a common component of insect repellent products. Animal toxicology studies showed increased DEET toxicity when DEET was included as proof of the formulation. Although there was no clinical evidence in the vehicle-controlled studies of drug interactions with systemic antiretroviral agents, including protease inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics, and azole antifungals, the effect of Panretin® gel on the steady-state concentrations of these drugs is not known. No drug interaction data are available on concomitant administration of Panretin® gel and systemic anti-KS agents.

 

Panretin Contraindications

Panretin® gel is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to retinoids or to any of the ingredients of the product.

 

Additional information about Panretin

Panretin Indication: For topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Mechanism Of Action: Panretin binds to and activates all known intracellular retinoid receptor subtypes (RARa, RARb, RARg, RXRa, RXRb and RXRg). Once activated these receptors function as transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes that control the process of cellular differentiation and proliferation in both normal and neoplastic cells. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Alitretinoin Synonyms: Retinoic Acid; ALRT-1057; BAL4079 Drug Category: Antineoplastic Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational Other Brand Names containing Alitretinoin: Panretin; Panretin Gel; Panretyn; Panrexin; Renova; Retin-A; Retin-A Micro; Vesanoid; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of Panretin: Liquid TopicalGel TopicalCream TopicalCapsule Oral Chemical IUPAC Name: (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid Chemical Formula: C20H28O2 Alitretinoin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alitretinoin Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals