Tretinoin

Tretinoin Information

Topical gel, 0.01% and 0.025%.

Gel should be kept between 2° and 30°C (36-86°F).

Topical tretinoin is used to treat persons with mild to moderate acne, or skin which has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun.

Before applying topical tretinoin, the affected area of the skin should be cleansed with soap and dried. Patients should then wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying tretinoin, gently rubbing it into the affected area. The hands should be washed immediately after application. Tretinoin is most often prescribed once daily, usually at bedtime.

There are no known drug interactions with topical tretinoin.

Damaging effects on the fetus have been described in animals receiving oral tretinoin. It is expected that oral tretinoin will also cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Despite a lack of adequate studies of topical tretinoin in humans, there is concern about using tretinoin during pregnancy. Physicians must weigh the potential risks and benefits when considering the use of tretinoin during pregnancy.

It is unknown whether tretinoin is distributed into breast milk. It is also unknown if topically applied tretinoin accumulates to an extent sufficient to pose a concern in the infant. Nonetheless, since oral tretinoin is not recommended during lactation, it probably is prudent to avoid nursing during treatment with topical tretinoin.

Following the application of tretinoin to the skin, there often is local inflammation. This reaction disappears when treatment is stopped. Mild stinging or a sensation of warmth also can occur when applying tretinoin. Dryness, scaling, and redness occur frequently. If severe redness, vesicles or crusting develops, a physician should be notified immediately and tretinoin stopped. It may be possible to restart therapy with a lower concentration.