Tretinoin, ATRA skin cream, liquid, or gel
What does tretinoin cream, liquid, or gel do?
TRETINOIN , Retin-A(R), Retin-A(R) Micro(TM)) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It is applied to the skin to treat mild to moderate acne or to treat the effects of aging on the face, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or "age spots". Generic tretinoin cream and liquid are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use tretinoin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• eczema
• excessive sensitivity to the sun
• sunburn
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tretinoin, vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Tretinoin is for external use only, do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Gently wash your face with a mild soap. Pat the skin dry and wait 20—30 minutes before applying tretinoin. Apply a small amount of the liquid, gel, or cream to cover the affected area. Rub in gently. When using the liquid, use your fingers or a cotton swab or gauze pad to dab the liquid onto the affected area. To avoid dripping the liquid onto areas that do not need treatment, do not soak the cotton or gauze. Avoid applying to your eyes, ears, nostrils, angles of the nose, and mouth. Wait one hour after using tretinoin to apply cosmetics.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period of time than directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Too much tretinoin can cause skin damage.
What other medicines can interact with tretinoin?
• medicines or other preparations that may dry your skin such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
• medicines that increase your sensitivity to sunlight such as tetracycline or sulfa drugs
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other skin preparations, (prescription and nonprescription) you are using. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using tretinoin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• darkening or lightening of the treated areas
• severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• itching
• mild stinging
• red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days