Tretinoin Description

Generic Name : TRETINOIN

Pronunciation : (tret' i noyn)

Trade Name(s) : Airol, Eudyna, Retino-A

Why it is prescribed: Tretinoin is used to treat acne and various skin conditions. It promotes peeling of affected skin areas and unclogs pores. Tretinoin controls acne but does not cure it.

When it is to be taken: Tretinoin usually is used at bedtime or once every two or three days. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken: Tretinoin comes in the form of topical liquid, cream, and gel. To apply any form of tretinoin, follow these stops:
1. Wash your hands and affected skin thoroughly with mild, bland soap and water and let them dry thoroughly.
2. Use clean fingertips, a gauze pad, or a cotton swab to apply the medication.
3. Use enough medication to cover the affected area lightly. Do not oversaturate the gauze pad or cotton swab.
4. Apply the medication to the affected skin area only. Do not let the medication contact the corners of your nose, broken skin, and your eyes and mouth.

Special Instruction :
1. Your acne probably will get worse during the first seven to 10 days that you use this medication. Nevertheless, continue to use it; the acne sores should disappear. Usually two or three weeks of regular use of tretinoin is required before improvement is seen.
2. Use only nonmedicated cosmetics on cleansed skin. Do not use topical preparations with a lot of alcohol, menthol, spices, or lime; they can sting your skin, especially when you first use tretinoin.
3. Do not use any other topical medications, especially benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and dandruff shampoos containing sulfur or resorcinol unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you have used any of these topical medications recently, ask your doctor if you should wait before using tretinoin.
4. If you use tretinoin once a day, omit the missed dose completely. Do not use this medication more often than once a day.
5. If you use it every two or three days and remember a missed dose within 12 hours of the time when you should have applied it, apply the missed dose immediately. Otherwise, omit it.

Side Effects :
1. Temporary warmth or slight stinging of the skin. If this effect persists or is severe, use less medication at each application and gradually increase the amount until you can tolerate it.
2. Temporary lightening or darkening of the skin. This side effect should disappear without treatment.
3. Red, scaling skin; increase in acne sores. Continue to use the medication. The sores should disappear.
4. Severe redness, swelling, blistering of the skin. Use the drug less often or stop using it until your skin returns of normal. If these effects persist for more than a few days after you stop using the medication, contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Stay out of direct sunlight, wind, and cold weather when possible to prevent skin irritation.
2. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get sunburned, do not use tretinoin until your skin recovers. Wear clothing and use a sunscreen preparation when exposed to sunlight.
3. Do not wash your face more often than two or three times a day; use only mild, bland soap.
4. Throw away any unused medication when your doctor tells you to stop using it.
5. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication. Tretinoin should only be used for severe skin problems diagnosed by a doctor.

Storage Conditions : Keep the container tightly closed, at room temperature, and out of the reach of children