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Uses

What is topical tretinoin used for?

Topical tretinoin is commonly used for acne.

Some topical tretinoin products are used to help improve how fine wrinkles on the face look.

Topical tretinoin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical tretinoin work (mechanism of action)?

Tropical tretinoin stimulates your skin cells to create new cells and replace existing skin cells.

How is topical tretinoin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Altreno
  • Atralin
  • Refissa
  • Renova
  • Retin-A
  • Retin-A Micro

Dosage forms and strengths 

  • 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% topical cream
  • 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05% topical gel
  • 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, 0.1% topical gel microsphere
  • 0.05% topical lotion

How should I store topical tretinoin?

Topical tretinoin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze lotions or creams, and store pump bottles upright and tubes tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical tretinoin?

The most common side effects of topical tretinoin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin irritation (see below)
  • Sore throat

There may be other side effects of topical tretinoin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical tretinoin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical tretinoin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical tretinoin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical tretinoin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Irritation. Topical tretinoin can cause your skin to become dry, red, swollen, blistered, or flaky. It may also cause your skin to itch, be painful, or feel like it is burning. Stop using topical tretinoin and call your healthcare provider if these symptoms become worse or do not go away. Your healthcare provider may lower your dose, ask you to lower the number of times you use it, or stop the medicine completely.

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are using topical tretinoin. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen. Stop using topical tretinoin and call your healthcare provider if you have a sunburn.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical tretinoin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical tretinoin.

  • Tretinoin
  • Retin-A Micro
  • Retin-A
  • Renova
  • Atralin
  • Altreno
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical tretinoin products they stock.

What should I know about topical tretinoin before using it?

Do not use topical tretinoin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical tretinoin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical tretinoin out of the reach of children.

Some tretinoin gel products can catch on fire. Do not smoke and stay away from fire if you are using a flammable tretinoin product. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you are using a product that can catch on fire.

Do not get topical tretinoin in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or the corners of your nose. 

Wash your face with mild soap and water and pat dry before using topical tretinoin. For certain topical tretinoin products, you may be asked to wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face to use the medicine. Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider. Ask your healthcare provider if you should wait to apply other skin care products after using topical tretinoin. 

Topical tretinoin may make your skin lighter or darker. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. 

Topical tretinoin may take some time to work. Do not use a larger amount or apply more frequently than instructed. This may cause your skin to become red, peel, or cause skin discomfort and will not give you faster or better results.

Your skin may become dry while using topical tretinoin. Using topical tretinoin with other products that you apply to your skin like harsh cleansers, astringents, or products that have lime, sulfur, or alcohol may increase your risk for dry skin. It is recommended to use a moisturizer while you are using topical tretinoin to help keep your skin from becoming too dry.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical tretinoin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical tretinoin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • A skin condition called eczema or any other skin problems
  • Sunburn or are sensitive to sunlight

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical tretinoin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical tretinoin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Fish Allergy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had a history of a fish allergy. Some topical tretinoin medicines may contain a fish protein. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have hives or itching while using topical tretinoin.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical tretinoin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using topical tretinoin right away and contact your healthcare provider. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical tretinoin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical tretinoin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical tretinoin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical tretinoin and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between topical tretinoin and alcohol.

Does topical tretinoin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical tretinoin.

  • A tetracycline, such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), or sarecycline (Seysara), which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
  • A thiazide diuretic, such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, or indapamide, which is a medicine commonly used to lower blood pressure
  • A phenothiazine, such as chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine (Compro and others), which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting
  • Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Bactrim DS) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR), which is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical tretinoin. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical tretinoin?

If you or someone else has used too much topical tretinoin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical tretinoin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.