Tretinoin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Tretinoin
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl) -nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 302-79-4 |
| ATC code | D10AD01 L01XX14 |
| PubChem | 5538 |
| DrugBank | APRD00362 |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C20H28O2 |
| Mol. weight | 300.435 g/mol |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Protein binding | > 95% |
| Metabolism | ? |
| Half life | 0.5-2 hours |
| Excretion | ? |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
? |
| Legal status | |
| Routes | ? |
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a drug commonly used to treat acne vulgaris and keratosis pilaris. It is available as a cream or gel (brand name Retin-A®). It is used by some as a hair loss treatment.
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[edit] Clinical Pharmacology
Although the exact mode of action of tretinoin is unknown, current evidence suggests that topical tretinoin decreases cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedo formation. Additionally, tretinoin stimulates mitotic activity and increased turnover of follicular epithelial cells causing extrusion of the comedones.
[edit] Uses
Tretinoin is most commonly used as a form of acne treatment. It was the first retinoid developed for this type of topical use. It is also used for hair loss treatment.
[edit] Side effects, sunscreen use, and hair removal when using tretinoin
When used, dryness of the affected skin may occur. More sensitive patients may also experience redness, scaling, itching, and burning. It is best to gradually increase the frequency and amount of tretinoin application to allow your skin to adjust. Heed your doctors advice when beginning a round of treatment.
Sun exposure may be detrimental to the intended effects or tretinoin. Application of sunscreen while using tretinoin is strongly recommended.
Because usage of tretinoin may cause thinning of the skin, it is strongly recommended that patients who are using the drug abstain from hair removal waxing. The wax will, when removed, pull off the top level of epithelium (skin) with it, leaving a red, inflamed, sore, and unattractive mark for several days. If you wish to have hair removal treatments performed while using tretinoin, opt for tweezing. The recommended timeframe to wait for a waxing treament after using tretinoin varies from source to source; anywhere from 5 days to 3 months have been reported. Speak to your aesthetician and dermatologist to discuss the best option for hair removal during or after tretinoin use.
This product should not be used if you are pregnant or seeking to become pregnant. Tests have shown increases in foetal skull abnormalities in rats.
This product increases the risk of extreme sunburn. If sunscreen is not applied, there is an minimal evidence of an increase in incidence of skin cancer.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Thomson MicroMedix listing for Tretinoin Topical
- Retin-A (Tretinoin) For Acne Scars
- BASF Technical Information
- Prescription Medications for Treating Acne. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved on 2006-07-15.
| Acne-treating agents (D10) edit | ||
|---|---|---|
| Topical agents: | Azelaic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, Glycolic acid, Light therapy, Salicylic acid, Tea tree oil | |
| Antibiotics: | Clindamycin, Co-trimoxazole, Erythromycin, Sulfacetamide, Teicoplanin, Tetracyclines, Trimethoprim, Vancomycin | |
| Hormonal: | Antiandrogens, Contraceptives | |
| Retinoids: | Adapalene, Isotretinoin, Tazarotene, Tretinoin | |
