Tretinoin Topical

Tretinoin topical is a prescription medication used for the treatment of acne vulgaris and the reduction of facial wrinkles.

• Tretinoin topical is available under the following different brand names: Retin A, Renova, Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Refissa, Retin-A Micro

Adult and pediatric dosage

Topical cream

• 0.02% (Renova)
• 0.025% (Retin-A, Avita)
• 0.05% (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa)
• 0.06% (Retin-A Micro Pump)
• 0.1% (Retin-A)

Topical gel

• 0.01% (Retin-A)
• 0.025% (Retin-A, Avita)
• 0.04% (Retin-A Micro)
• 0.05% (Atralin)
• 0.08% (Retin-A Micro)
• 0.1% (Retin-A Micro)

Topical solution

• 0.05% (Retin-A)

Topical lotion

• 0.05% (Altreno)

Acne Vulgaris

Adult dosage

Retin-A, Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Retin-A Micro, Tretin-X

• Apply a pea-sized amount topically during bedtime to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to lightly cover the entire affected area

Pediatric dosage

• Altreno; Children below 9 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Atralin; Children below 10 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Avita; Children below 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Apply a pea-sized amount topically during bedtime to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to lightly cover the entire affected area

Facial Wrinkles

Adult dosage

Renova, Refissa

• Apply a pea-sized amount (0.02-0.05%) to the affected area during bedtime

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Tretinoin topical include:

• skin pain, redness, burning, itching, or irritation;
• sore throat;
• mild warmth or stinging where the medicine was applied; or
• changes in the color of treated skin.

Serious side effects of Tretinoin topical include:

• hives,
• difficult breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin,
• severe skin dryness, or
• severe redness, swelling, blistering, peeling, or crusting.

Rare side effects of Tretinoin topical include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Tretinoin topical has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Tretinoin topical has serious interactions with at least 34 other drugs.
• Tretinoin topical has moderate interactions with the following drugs:
  • mifepristone
  • porfimer
  • stiripentol
• Tretinoin topical has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • ketoconazole
  • levoketoconazole

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Sunburn

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Tretinoin topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Tretinoin topical?”

Cautions

• Extreme caution in eczema (may produce severe irritation of eczematous skin)
• Discontinue if sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs
• Exposure to UV light (including from sunlamps) increases the intensity of inflammatory reaction; use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and protective clothing during exposure
• Concomitant topical medications such as abrasive soaps, cleansers, or cosmetics with strong drying effects may increase skin irritation
• Avoid use with weather extremes, such as wind or cold due to potential for increased irritation; excessive dryness, redness, and swollen or blistered skin may occur; reduce amount, frequency, or discontinue use until irritation disappears
• Use Atralin Gel with caution if patient allergic to fish due to potential for allergenicity to fish protein; patients who develop pruritus or urticaria should contact their health care provider

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Not known whether excreted in breast milk.