Oral roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved for the prevention of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis. In dermatology, topical roflumilast is authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis. Several studies have described the off-label use of roflumilast in dermatology, including a randomized controlled trial showing its usefulness in the treatment of psoriasis; case reports and small series have also reported successful outcomes in hidradenitis suppurativa, recurrent oral aphthosis, nummular eczema, lichen planus, and Behçet disease. Roflumilast has a favorable safety profile, similar to that of apremilast, and it is considerably cheaper than new generation drugs and even some conventional immunosuppressants. We review the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of topical and oral roflumilast and discuss potential adverse effects and both approved and off-label uses in dermatology. Roflumilast is a promising agent to consider.
