Tretinoin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug tretinoin?

What is Tretinoin for?

Tretinoin is a drug with a function to treat acne. This medication can reduce the amount and pain of pimples and promote quick recovery in developing pimples. Tretinoin belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids. These drugs work by affecting the growth in skin cells.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

Another form of this treatment is used to improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. Your doctor can also give this medication to treat other conditions.

Tretinoin dosages and side effects of tretinoin are described further below.

How do I use Tretinoin?

Read the drug's guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you buy again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Wash your hands before using this medicine. Gently clean the infected skin with a softener or cleanser and pat dry. Use your fingers to dispense a small amount of the medication on a thin pad, usually once every day before bed or as directed by your doctor. Cotton or cotton swabs can be used to pour out liquids. You should wait 20-30 minutes after cleaning your face before using this medicine. Consult your pharmacist if you have questions about label instructions or patient information letters.

Use this medication only on the skin. Do not use it on the lips or on the inside of the nose / mouth. Do not use on cuts, scrapes, burns, or skin affected by eczema.

Avoid using this medication in the eyes. If this medicine gets in the eyes, wash with plenty of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation occurs. Wash your hands after using this medicine to avoid accidentally getting into the eyes.

During the first few weeks of using Tretinoin, your acne may appear worse because it acts on the pimples that build up inside the skin. This medication may take 8-12 weeks for the results of this treatment.

Use regularly for best benefits. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time every day. Don't use too much or too often than recommended. Your skin will not get better any faster, and this medication will actually increase your risk of redness, flaking, and soreness.

Because this medicine absorbs through the skin and can harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant should not use this medicine.
These drugs are available in different strengths and forms (eg gels, creams, lotions). The best type for you depends on your skin condition and response to therapy. Inform your doctor if condition persists or worsens.

How do I store Tretinoin?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Tretinoin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of tretinoin for adults?

Dosages that are commonly used by adults for acne:

Initial dose: apply a small amount to the infected area once a day at bedtime.

Maintenance dose: Obvious acne exacerbations may also occur during the initial phase of therapy (3-4 weeks) as a result of tretinoin's action on subclinical comedones, but should be reduced after prolonged use. Healing will occur slowly and is usually not visible for 6-12 weeks or more. Therapy should be continued until the patient has stopped developing new acne for several months, although reduced use or switching to other less strong drugs may also be sufficient for treatment once the desired results have been achieved.

Tretinoin has no antibacterial activity and therefore can be combined with antibiotics in the treatment of inflammatory acne. In severe cystic acne, the addition of benzoyl peroxide may be of benefit if the patient can tolerate tretinoin without significant inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide should be applied in the morning and tretinoin at bedtime. Initially, the two drugs can be used alternately at intervals a day.

Usual dosage used by parents for dermatoheliosis:

Initial dose: apply a small amount to the infected area once a day at bedtime.

Maintenance dose: the duration of active treatment will depend on skin damage. Often used 3-4 months before significant changes are seen. When the maximum clinical benefit is obtained (usually after 8 months-1 year of therapy), the patient may be able to schedule 2-4 times a week of use.

Continued care is important to maintain clinical improvement, although safety has not been established for use beyond 48 weeks for 0.05% cream and 52 weeks for 0.02% cream.

For patients over 50 years: safety and efficacy have not been established for 0.05% emollient cream.

What is the dosage of tretinoin for children?

The safety and effectiveness of this drug have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosage is tretinoin available?

Gel 0.5 mg (0.05%)

Lotion

Fluid

Cream

Tretinoin side effects

What side effects can I experience due to Tretinoin?

Stop using this medication and seek emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects include a burning, warm, prickling feeling, a tingling feeling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling skin, irritation, or skin discoloration.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Tretinoin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Tretinoin?

In deciding to use a drug, the risks of taking the drug must be carefully considered. This is a decision that will be made by you and your doctor. For this remedy, you should consider the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

No information is available on the relationship between age and the effects of tretinoin in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Children don't seem to have sun-induced skin problems. For older children being treated for acne, Tretinoin is not thought to cause other side effects or problems over other ages.

Seniors

Many drugs have never been studied for their effects in the elderly. So the results may not be the same as using this drug in younger people, or cause different side effects in elderly patients. There is no specific information comparing the use of tretinoin in patients 50 years and over with patients of other ages.

Is Tretinoin safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Tretinoin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Tretinoin?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Aminocaproic Acid
• Aprotinin
• Chlortetracycline
• Demeclocycline
• Doxycycline
• Lymecycline
• Meclocycline
• Methacycline
• Minocycline
• Oxytetracycline
• Rolitetracycline
• Tetracycline
• Tranexamic Acid
• Fluconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Voriconazole

Can food or alcohol interact with tretinoin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Tretinoin?

• Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:
• Dermatitis, seborrheic
• Eczema
• Burns — Using this medication may cause or increase the irritation associated with this problem

Tretinoin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of an overdose that may occur include:

• Headache
• Rinse
• Red, chapped, sore lips
• Stomach ache
• Dizzy
• Loss of coordination

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.