Drug Name
Retin-A (Tretinoin)
Drug Uses
Retin-A is frequently used to increase the appearance and texture of the skin. It produces a gentle, superficial peel of the epidermis. Retin-A has effects on the both the superficial (epidermis) along with the deep (dermis) parts of the epidermis. The major benefit is usually to say goodbye of sunlight caused aging by improving the speed with which the counter cells are replaced.
How to use
Apply a thin layer to involved area once a day at bed time. Use a gauze pad or cotton wool ball to use the liquid. Wash both your hands soon after use. Using prescription drugs more often or in excessive amounts doesn't improve the results, but may increase side effects. Avoid applying near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this medication can irritate sensitive skin. Acne may seem to worsen if the drugs are first used; continue therapy. It may take 3 to 6 weeks before the benefits of the medication are seen. Use soap when washing your face. Do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about their use. Use other acne preparations with caution when using this medication.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. Topical Tretinoin is utilized inside management of mild to moderate acne and on skin which has been damaged by excessive sun exposure. Tretinoin irritates skin and causes cellular structure of the epidermis to develop (divide) and die quicker, that's, it improves the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in your skin turns out to be reduced. In patients with acne, new cells replace cells of existing pimples, and the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism, Tretinoin is effective in reducing some wrinkles, aspects of darkened skin, and rough areas of skin, all of which exist in sun-damaged skin. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in skin usually have emerged from the first three to four weeks of treatment. Brown spots commence to fade after six to 8 weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after 3 to 6 months. Following application to skin, a minimal amount of drug is made available to our bodies.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it when remembered; don't use whether it is almost time for one more dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose capture up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep this and medications out from the reach of children.
Possible Side Effects
Due on the chance of irritation, you need to begin treatment over a small part of skin. Exposure on the sun as well as to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation. During treatment, such exposure needs to be avoided as much as possible or a sunscreen must be used. During the first weeks of treatment there might be an apparent worsening with the problem. Such a reaction is perfectly normal because small cysts deep within your skin layer are now being eliminated with an accelerated rate. This medication can increase sensitivity wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and rehearse a highly effective sunscreen. If any ingredient should cause hypersensitivity, discontinue use.
More Information
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using tretinoin topical and seek emergency medical attention in case you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your 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 when you are using tretinoin topical. If these unwanted effects are excessive, confer with your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of tretinoin topical.
If you observe a modification of your skin color, contact 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 is especially bothersome.
Warnings/Precautions
This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged sun damage and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and make use of a powerful sunscreen. This medication needs to be used during pregnancy provided that 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