Retin-A
Tretinoin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Retin-A
Retin-A is a derivative of vitamin A. Retin-A irritates the skin and causes the cells of the skin to divide and die more rapidly (it increases the turnover of cells). The number of layers of cells in the skin is reduced by Retin-A. In patients with pimple or acne, new cells replace the cells of existing pimples, and the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism, Retin-A can reduce some wrinkles, areas of darkened skin, and rough areas of skin, all of which occur due sun-damage. In patients with sun damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually takes 3 to 4 weeks of treatment with Retin-A. Brown spots begin to fade after six to eight weeks and wrinkles decrease or disappear after three to six months of use of Retin-A. It has effects on the both the superficial (epidermis) and the deep (dermis) parts of the skin. After topical application to the skin, a minimal amount of drug is absorbed into the body. The FDA approved topical Retin-A in 1971 for therapeutic use.
Therapeutic Uses of Retin-A
Retin-A is used in many skin problems (improve the appearance and texture of the skin). It is used in treatment of acne and also used to reduce or remove wrinkles of skin. The major use of Retin-A is to decrease the effects of sunlight caused aging by increasing the speed with which the surface cells are replaced (cell turnover).
Direction of use of Retin-A
Use Retin-A as per direction of your doctor. Apply a thin layer of Retin-A to affected area once a day (Using this medication more frequently or in excessive amounts does not improve the results, but may increase side effects) at bedtime. You should clean the skin properly before applying it. Use a gauze pad or cotton swab to apply the liquid (Retin-A) and wash your hands immediately after use.
Do not apply Retin-A near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this medication can irritate those areas. Acne may appear to worsen when the medication is started, but keep using Retin-A. It may take three to six weeks before the full benefits of this medication can be seen. Use mild soap when washing your face and do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation and should be avoided during use of Retin-A. Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you have any question about the use of Retin-A. You should use other acne preparations with caution while using this medication.
If You Miss a Dose of Retin-A
If you miss a bedtime single application, you should skip the application, even if you remember it the next morning. You should not use Retin-A during day time.
How to Store Retin-A
Retin-A should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep Retin-A out of reach of children.
More Information About Retin-A
- If you have any question about Retin-A, you should consult your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if your condition worsens or there is no improvement of symptoms.
- Serious side effects are not likely to occur, but stop using Retin-A and get emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction to Retin-A (symptoms of allergic reaction are shortness of breath, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives, skin rash, etc.).
- You may experience some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while you are using topical Retin-A for few days, which generally go away within few days. If these side effects are excessive or persistent discuss with your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of topical Retin-A.
- If you notice any change in your skin color, consult your doctor.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Consult your doctor about any side effect that is unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Retin-A
- Retin-A can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. You should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps and wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen if you need to get exposed to sun or sunlamps.
- Retin-A should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed (ideally it should be avoided during pregnancy). It is not known if Retin-A appears in breast milk, but you should consult your doctor before breast feeding.
Possible Adverse Effects of Retin-A
- There is chance of irritation of skin if you are using Retin-A, and due to the possibility of irritation; it is advisable to begin treatment on a small area of skin.
- Exposure to the sun or to ultraviolet rays may cause irritation to skin during treatment with Retin-A. During treatment, such exposure should be avoided as much as possible or an effective sunscreen should be used.
- During the first few weeks of treatment with Retin-A, there may be worsening of the problem, which go away by itself as you continue with the treatment. Such a reaction is perfectly normal because small cysts deep within the skin are being eliminated at an accelerated rate.
- Retin-A can increase sensitivity wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. If any ingredient should cause hypersensitivity, discontinue use of Retin-A.