Uses of Tretinoin

Tretinoin is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL-blood problem). It is also used to is used to treat acne. It can also be used to treat wrinkles, skin spots, and rough skin.

Therapeutic Category

Tretinoin: Retinoids

How Tretinoin works

Tretinoin works by slowing the growth of certain types of diseased blood cells, and promotes the growth of normal, mature cells in the bone marrow and blood, thereby helping treat blood cancer (acute promyelocytic leukaemia).

For acne, it works by modifying the abnormal cavity formation that comes from the excessive conversion of cytoplasm to keratin (a strong protein that is the main substance that forms hair, skin, etc.) of epithelial cells, promoting detachment of tough cells and enhancing shedding.

Common side effects of Tretinoin

• hair loss
• irregular heartbeat
• altered eyesight or hearing
• bone, joint, chest, and stomach pain
• skin itching, redness, rash, peeling, or inflammation
• eye infection and inflammation, dry eyes (problematic if you wear contact lenses)
• trouble sleeping, headache, dizziness
• sweating too much
• tiredness, cold, or feeling generally unwell
• confusion, worrying, or depression
• tingling or numbness in arms or feet
• loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, stomach pain, inflammation of the pancreas or the lips, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience fever along with breathing problems, coughing, dizziness, chest and abdominal pain, dark lumpy markings on the skin of your face and neck
• If you experience severe headache with nausea or vomiting, trouble breathing, fever, dizziness, chest, or back pain
• If you experience signs of pancreatitis such as severe stomach pain spreading to your back
• If you experience signs of blood clot such as painful swelling in your leg, sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
• If you experience signs of heart attack such as pain in your chest spreading to your arm or neck
• If you experience increased pressure in your head such as double vision and dizziness, along with nausea or vomiting, ringing in your ears and headache
• If you experience signs of stroke such as an unexplained headache or migraine, with or without disturbed vision
• If you experience changes in your mood and behaviour

Health Tips for Tretinoin

• You should also avoid any products which may result in a reaction with this medicine such as soaps and astringents
• Do not use this medicine on broken, cracked, or sunburned skin as it can cause great irritation and redness
• You should also ensure that you apply sunscreen before going outdoors and protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat