What is Tretinoin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Tretinoin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tretin-X, Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Refissa, Renova, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Tretin-X

Generic Names:

  • Tretinoin

Uses:

  • Treats acne and other skin conditions. Renova® may reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and rough skin.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiacne, Dermatological Agent

Forms:

  • Cream, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Lotion

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Tretinoin used for?

Avita is a prescription medication used to treat acne. This medication works to target the chemicals in the body to reduce the number of acne pimples. It also helps the skin to renew itself quickly. Avita also works to reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration.

What form(s) does Tretinoin come in

  • Cream

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Liquid

  • Lotion

What are common Tretinoin doses?

  • Tube Of Cream 20g of 0.025%

  • Tube Of Cream 45g of 0.025%

  • Tube Of Cream 20g of 0.05%

  • Tube Of Cream 45g of 0.05%

  • Tube Of Cream 20g of 0.1%

  • Tube Of Cream 45g of 0.1%

  • Tube Of Gel 15g of 0.01%

  • Tube Of Gel 45g of 0.01%

  • Tube Of Gel 15g of 0.025%

  • Tube Of Gel 45g of 0.025%

  • Tube Of Gel 45g of 0.05%

  • Capsule 10mg

  • Capsule 10MG

Common Tretinoin prescriptions

  • Tretinoin
    10mg capsule

  • Tretinoin
    15gm of 0.01% tube

  • Tretinoin
    15gm of 0.025% tube

  • Tretinoin
    20gm of 0.025% tube

  • Tretinoin
    20gm of 0.05% tube

  • Tretinoin
    20gm of 0.1% tube

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.025% tube

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.05% tube

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.1% tube

  • Tretinoin
    20gm of 0.025% tube of cream

  • Tretinoin
    20gm of 0.05% tube of cream

  • Tretinoin
    20gm of 0.1% tube of cream

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.025% tube of cream

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.05% tube of cream

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.1% tube of cream

  • Tretinoin
    15gm of 0.01% tube of gel

  • Tretinoin
    15gm of 0.025% tube of gel

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.01% tube of gel

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.025% tube of gel

  • Tretinoin
    45gm of 0.05% tube of gel

How to take Tretinoin

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it into your eyes, mouth, nose, or the creases alongside your nose. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Allow your skin to dry for 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine.

  • Do not wash your face or put on make-up for at least 1 hour after applying this medicine. You may need to apply a skin moisturizer in the morning.

  • You may need to use this medicine for several weeks or months before your skin starts to look better. Applying extra medicine will not make it work faster.

  • For the cream, gel, or lotion, apply a thin layer to the affected skin area. Rub it in gently. The medicine should become invisible right away. After about a minute, if you can still see the medicine or if the medicine dries and flakes off, then you are using too much.

  • Apply the liquid using your fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton swab. Carefully pour out the liquid. Avoid getting it on other skin areas.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Apply the liquid using your fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton swab. Carefully pour out the liquid. Avoid getting it on other skin areas.

  • Do not wash your face or put on make-up for at least 1 hour after applying this medicine. You may need to apply a skin moisturizer in the morning.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Allow your skin to dry for 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it into your eyes, mouth, nose, or the creases alongside your nose. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • You may need to use this medicine for several weeks or months before your skin starts to look better. Applying extra medicine will not make it work faster.

  • For the cream, gel, or lotion, apply a thin layer to the affected skin area. Rub it in gently. The medicine should become invisible right away. After about a minute, if you can still see the medicine or if the medicine dries and flakes off, then you are using too much.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tretinoin

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Tretinoin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tretinoin.

Tretinoin warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. During the first 3 to 6 weeks of using this medicine, your acne may seem to get worse. This means the medicine is working, and it is important that you keep using it.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and cold weather. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. You may need to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and a hat.

  • The gel form of this medicine is flammable. Do not smoke while you are using this medicine. Always keep it away from fire, flames, or high heat.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a fish allergy, eczema, sunburn, or other skin problems.

Tretinoin interactions

  • Some medicines may affect how tretinoin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat infection (including tetracycline, sulfa drug)Phenothiazine medicine

  • Do not use any other medicines or acne treatments on the treated skin areas without first asking your doctor. Avoid using any skin care products that can dry or irritate your skin, including rough skin cleansers or products that contain alcohol, spices, or lime.

  • Do not use lotion, wax, electrolysis, or laser treatment to remove hair on any treated skin areas. Avoid medicated shampoo (including dandruff shampoo) and chemical hair treatments (including perms or dye).

  • The gel form of this medicine is flammable. Do not smoke while you are using this medicine. Always keep the medicine away from fire, flames, or high heat.

  • You may feel minor warmth, stinging, or burning briefly while applying this medicine.

  • During the first 3 to 6 weeks of using this medicine, your acne may seem to get worse. This means the medicine is working, and it is important that you keep using it.

Tretinoin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe or ongoing skin redness, peeling, itching, blistering, crusting, or swelling

  • Skin warmth, stinging, or burning that continues or gets worse

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild skin dryness, itching, peeling, or redness

  • Changes in the color of your treated skin

  • Skin warmth, stinging, or burning that continues or gets worse