Generic
Tretinoin Topical
7 brands available in the market
At a glance
Tretinoin Topical is a form of vitamin A used to treat acne, smooth rough facial skin, reduce fine wrinkles, and treat pregnancy-related abdominal striae.
Description
Tretinoin is a trans-retinoic acid form of vitamin A. Topically, it decreases cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedo formation, stimulates mitotic activity and increases turnover of follicular epithelial cells.
Indications
- Acne
- Pregnancy-related abdominal striae
- Mottled hyperpigmentation
- Photodamaged skin
- Flat warts
- Ichthyosis vulgaris
- Keratosis follicularis
Therapeutic class
Topical retinoid and related preparations
Pharmacological class
Retinoid
Pharmacology
Tretinoin is a trans-retinoic acid form of vitamin A. Topically, it decreases cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedo formation. It stimulates mitotic activity and increases turnover of follicular epithelial cells, causing extrusion of comedones, papules and pustules.
Mechanism of action
Decreases cohesiveness and increases turnover of follicular epithelial cells, facilitating comedone extrusion.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Topical):
- Acne vulgaris: Apply once at bedtime to affected area; therapeutic response may be seen after 6-8 weeks
- Photodamaged skin: Apply a pea-sized amount to entire face once daily at night; therapeutic response may be seen after 6 months
Child Dose (Topical):
- Acne vulgaris (over 12 years): Apply once at bedtime to affected area
Administration
- 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, 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
May be used in children over 12 years for acne
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Not applicable (topical application)
Hepatic Impairment: Not applicable (topical application)
Overdose effects
Overdose is not applicable (topical application).
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.