Brand & Generic Names

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes, on some.
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Anti-acne (topical)

Uses

Treatment for acne, psoriasis, ichthyosis, keratosis, folliculitis, flat warts.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Wash skin with non-medicated soap, pat dry, wait 20 minutes before applying.
Cream or gel--Apply to affected areas with fingertips and rub in gently.
Solution--Apply to affected areas with gauze pad or cotton swab. Avoid getting too wet so medicine doesn't drip into eyes, mouth, lips or inside nose.
Follow manufacturer's directions on container.

When to use:
At the same time each day.

If you forget an application:
Use as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Increases skin-cell turnover so skin layer peels off more easily.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 3 weeks. May require 6 weeks for maximum improvement.

Don't use with:
Benzoyl peroxide. Apply 12 hours apart.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

If person swallows drug, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

• Pigment change in treated area, warmth or stinging, peeling.
• Sensitivity to wind or cold.

Infrequent:

Blistering, crusting, severe burning, swelling.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to tretinoin.
• You are sunburned, windburned or have an open skin wound.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have eczema.

Over age 60:
Not recommended.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:

• May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or sunlamp.
• In some animal studies, tretinoin caused skin tumors to develop faster when treated area was exposed to ultraviolet light (sunlight or sunlamp). No proven similar effects in humans.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:
Acne may get worse before improvement starts in 2 or 3 weeks. Don't wash face more than 2 or 3 times daily.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

Possible Interaction with Other Substances