Drug Name
Retin-A (Tretinoin)
Drug Uses
Retin-A is often employed to increase the appearance and texture of the skin. It produces a gentle, superficial peel on the skin. Retin-A has effects on the both the superficial (epidermis) and also the deep (dermis) parts of your skin. The major benefit is usually to say goodbye of sunlight caused aging by increasing the speed that the surface cells are replaced.
How to use
Apply a thin layer to involved area once a day at bedtime. Use a gauze pad or cotton wool pad to make use of the liquid. Wash your hands right after use. Using prescription drugs with greater frequency or perhaps in excessive amounts does not improve the results, but may increase unwanted effects. Avoid applying at the eyes, mouth, or open cuts simply because this medication can bother sensitive skin. Acne might appear to worsen if the medication is first used; continue therapy. It may take 3-6 weeks before the full-benefits on this medication are seen. Use gentle soap when washing the face. Do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist relating to use. Use other acne preparations with caution with all the this medication.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. Topical Tretinoin is used inside the treatment of mild to moderate acne and on skin that is damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. Tretinoin irritates your skin and results in cellular matrix on the skin to cultivate (divide) and die faster, that's, zinc increases the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in your skin actually is reduced. In patients with acne, new cells replace cellular matrix of existing pimples, as well as the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism, Tretinoin is effective in reducing some wrinkles, areas of darkened skin, and rough areas of skin, which happen in sun-damaged skin. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in skin usually are located inside the first three or four weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after six to 8 weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after 3 to 6 months. Following application to the skin, a minimal amount of drug is absorbed into our bodies.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it the moment remembered; don't use whether it is almost time for the following dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature from sunlight. Keep this and all medications from the reach of youngsters.
Possible Side Effects
Due for the chance of irritation, you need to begin treatment on a small area of skin. Exposure for the sun in order to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation. During treatment, such exposure needs to be avoided whenever possible or even a sun block must be used. During the first weeks of treatment there can be an apparent worsening in the problem. Such a reaction is perfectly normal because small cysts deep within your skin are now being eliminated in an accelerated rate. This medication can increase sensitivity wind and cold. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an efficient sunscreen. If any ingredient should cause hypersensitivity, discontinue use.
More Information
Serious negative effects are not likely to occur. Stop using tretinoin topical and seek emergency medical assistance should you experience a hypersensitivity (breathlessness; closing of the throat; swelling of your respective lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may experience some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while you're using tretinoin topical. If these negative effects are excessive, confer with your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of tretinoin topical.
If you find a modification of your skin tone, speak to your doctor.
Side effects apart from those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that's especially bothersome.
Warnings/Precautions
This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged sun damage and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an efficient sunscreen. This medication must be used in pregnancy as long as clearly needed. It is not known if Retin-A appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Airmail: 2-3 business weeks
EMS: 3-8 business days