Generic
Tretinoin
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A used to treat acne, smooth rough facial skin, reduce fine wrinkles, and treat acute promyelocytic leukaemia.
Description
Tretinoin is a trans-retinoic acid form of vitamin A. It stimulates mitosis and turnover of follicular epithelial cells and reduces their cohesiveness, facilitating extrusion of comedones. In acute promyelocytic leukaemia, it induces cellular differentiation and decreases proliferation.
Indications
- Acne
- Acute promyelocytic leukaemia
- Photodamaged skin
- Mottled hyperpigmentation
- Flat warts
- Ichthyosis vulgaris
- Keratosis follicularis
- Pregnancy-related abdominal striae
Therapeutic class
Topical retinoid and related preparations
Pharmacological class
Retinoid
Pharmacology
Tretinoin is a trans-retinoic acid form of vitamin A. It stimulates mitosis and turnover of follicular epithelial cells and reduces their cohesiveness. It exhibits a thinning effect on the stratum corneum. In acute promyelocytic leukaemia, it induces cellular differentiation and decreases proliferation.
Mechanism of action
Increases turnover of follicular epithelial cells and reduces cohesiveness, facilitating comedone extrusion.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Acute promyelocytic leukaemia: 45 mg/m² daily in 2 divided doses; continue until 30 days after complete remission or up to 90 days, whichever occurs first
- Hepatic/renal impairment: 25 mg/m² daily
Child Dose (Oral):
- Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (1-16 years): 45 mg/m² daily in 2 divided doses
Topical Dose:
- Acne: Apply once at bedtime to affected area
- Photodamaged skin: Apply a pea-sized amount to entire face once daily at night
Administration
- Topical: For external use only
- Clean and dry affected area
- Wash hands after application
- Avoid lips, mouth, eyes, nose
- Do not apply to broken or damaged skin
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take/apply it as soon as possible; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
- Dry lips
- Pale red skin
- Increased sensitivity to light
Precautions & warnings
- Avoid exposure to sunlight; use sunscreen or protective clothing
- Avoid face waxing or laser treatment
- Avoid tetracycline (e.g., doxycycline); may reduce tretinoin activity
- Do not use if pregnant
- Inform doctor if excessive skin dryness or sensitivity occurs
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to retinoids
- Application to eczematous, sunburnt or abraded skin
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- Minoxidil: enhanced percutaneous absorption
- Antifibrinolytic: increased risk of fatal thrombotic complications
- Azole antifungals: increased tretinoin concentrations
- Sulphur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid: enhanced peeling action
- Thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonamides: increased photosensitivity
- Tetracyclines: increased risk of intracranial pressure (potentially fatal)
Food interactions
No food interactions known.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Topical: May be used in children over 12 years for acne; Oral: 1-16 years for acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Dose 25 mg/m² daily
Hepatic Impairment: Dose 25 mg/m² daily
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Headache, vomiting, dizziness.
Treatment: Supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.