Indications
- For the treatment of acne vulgaris in which comedones, papules and pustules predominate.
- For the treatment of hyperpigmentation, roughness and fine wrinkling of photodamaged skin due to chronic sun exposure.
- For the treatment of Acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacology
Dosage & Administration
Tretinoin cream:Â Tretinoin cream should be applied sparingly to the whole affected area once or twice daily. The skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before application. Patient should be advised that 6 to 8 weeks of treatment may be required before a therapeutic effect is observed. Moisturisers and cosmetics may be used during treatment with Cosmotrin cream but should not be applied to the skin at the same time. Astringent toiletries should be avoided.
Tretinoin gel: Tretinoin gel should be applied once or twice a day, before retiring, to the skin where lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. The frequency of application can be adjusted to obtain maximum clinical efficacy with minimal erythema and scaling.
If Tretinoin gel is applied excessively, no more rapid or better results will be obtained and marked redness, peeling or discomfort may occur. Should this occur accidentally or through over-enthusiastic use, application should be discontinued for few days.
Patience is needed in this treatment, since the therapeutic effects will not usually be observed until after 6-8 weeks of treatment. During the early weeks of treatment, an apparent exacerbation of inflammatory lesions may occur. This is due to the action of the medication on deep, previously unseen comedones and papules. Once the acne lesions have responded satisfactorily, it should be possible to maintain the improvement with less frequent applications.
Moisturizers and cosmetics may be used during treatment with Tretinoin gel but should not be applied to the skin at the same time. The skin should be thoroughly washed before application of Tretinoin gel. Astringent toiletries should be avoided.
Interaction
Contraindications
Tretinoin is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to this drug. It is contraindicated in pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. It is also contraindicated in personal or familial history of cutaneous epithelioma.
Local irritation: The presence of cutaneous irritative signs (e.g. erythema, peeling, pruritus, sunburn, etc.) should prohibit initiation or recommencement of treatment with Tretinoin until the symptoms resolve. Tretinoin has been reported to cause severe irritation on eczematous skin
and should be used with caution in patients with this condition.
Exposure to sunlight: Exposure to sunlight, including ultraviolet sun-lamps, should be avoided or minimised during the use of Tretinoin.
General precaution: Before application of Tretinoin, areas to be treated should be cleansed thoroughly. Abstain from washing the treated area frequently; twice daily is sufficient. Use of mild soap is recommended. Dry the skin without rubbing.
Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, nostrils, mouth and mucous membranes. If contact in these areas occurs, careful washing with water is recommended.
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