|
TRETINOIN
CREAM (tret-ih-NO-in)
Tretinoin skin preparations are a family of drugs all
similar to Vitamin A. In general, tretinoin gels are stronger
than tretinoin creams because the medicine penetrates
better when in a gel form. Tretinoin is used to treat
acne and aged, sun damaged skin. Tretinoin works best
when used in combination with alpha hydroxyacid preparations.
If used over a period of years, tretinoin will continue
to reverse aging of the skin and can continue improving
the skin’s appearance even ten years after starting
treatment.
A
study in the Archives of Dermatology, May 1996, shows
that 0.1% tretinoin significantly improves the appearance
of early stretch marks. Tretinoin works best on stretch
marks that are new or enlarging.
|
|
|
|
Use of Retin-A
This medication is used to improve the appearance
of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing
roughness and improving coloration. This can also be
used to treat acne.
How to Use Retin-A
- You
should wash your face twice a day with a mild non-soap
cleanser such as Cetaphil lotion available at your
local pharmacy. Pat skin dry with a towel. Let your
face dry for 10-15 minutes before applying tretinoin.
Apply one pea size drop to the face each night before
bed; do not get the medication into your eyes. One
pea size drop should be enough to cover the entire
face.
-
Apply a moisturizer containing a sunscreen of 15 or
higher to the skin each morning or an alpha hydroxyacid
preparation. This will help counteract the dryness
and scaling. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and
2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
- If
the skin becomes too red and dry, decrease the application
of Retin-A to every other night or even every third
night.
- If
you plan to have hair removed by waxing, especially
of the upper lip, stop the tretinoin 3-4 weeks prior
to the treatment. Otherwise, you may be left with
a sore area which could heal with a brown spot.
Retin-A Interaction with the Skin
Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or
prescription medication you may take including isotretinoin,
amiodarone, tetracyclines or quinolone antibiotics,
sulfa-drugs or phenothiazines as they increase skin
sensitivity to the sun. Also minoxidil and any skin
medication, soaps, cleansers, cosmetics, astringents
or any facial products that may be drying or irritating
(e.g., alcohol-containing facial products). Benzoyl
peroxide should not be applied at the same time as this
medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
Side effect of Retin-A
Tretinoin makes the skin more sensitive to sun light
(easier to get a sun burn).
Tretinoin causes dryness, redness, tenderness, and swelling
of the skin. These side effects lessen with time.
Precautions for taking Retin-A
Tretinoin is very safe when used as directed. Several
studies show tretinoin is safe to use during pregnancy,
however you should only use tretinoin during pregnancy
if this is OK with your obstetrician.
Do not smoke while applying tretinoin, the gel form
is flammable.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine
may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may
include excessive redness, peeling, and discomfort.
Missed Dose of Retin-A
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do
not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage condition of Retin-A
Store at room temperature away from sunlight.
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Note
Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before
applying the medication
|
|
