tretinoin
A naturally-occurring acid of retinol. Tretinoin binds to and activates retinoic acid receptors (RARs), thereby inducing changes in gene expression that lead to cell differentiation, decreased cell proliferation, and inhibition of tumorigenesis. This agent also inhibits telomerase, resulting in telomere shortening and eventual apoptosis of some tumor cell types. The oral form of tretinoin has teratogenic and embryotoxic properties. Check for active clinical trials using this agent.
Tretinoin Basic Info.
Synonyms: TRETINOIN VITAMIN A ACID;TRANS-RETINOIC ACID;TRANS VITAMIN A ACID;VITAMIN A ACID;RETINOIC ACID
CAS: 302-79-4
MF: C20H28O2
MW: 300.44
EINECS: 206-129-0
mp: 180-181 °C(lit.)
storage temp: 2-8°C
Water Solubility: insoluble
Appearance: yellow powder
Medical uses:
Skin use
Tretinoin is most commonly used to treat acne. It is also used off-label to treat and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by increasing collagen production in the dermis.
In topical form, this drug is pregnancy category C and should not be used by pregnant women.
People using the topical form should not also use any cream or lotion that has a strong drying effect, contains alcohol, astringents, spices, lime, sulfur, , or aspirin, as these may interact with tretinoin or exacerbate its side effects.
Leukemia
Tretinoin is used to induce remission in people with acute promyelocytic leukemia who have a mutation (the t(15;17) translocation 160 and/or the presence of the PML/RARα gene) and who don't respond toanthracyclines or can't take that class of drug. It is not used for maintenance therapy.
In oral form, this drug is pregnancy category D and should not be used by pregnant women as it may harm the fetus.
********************************************
Tretinoin
Trade Name: Vesanoid
Other Names: All-trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA)
Tretinoin is the generic name for the trade name drug Vesanoid®. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Vesanoid® or All-trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) when referring to the generic drug name tretinoin.
Drug Type:
Tretinoin is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug. Tretinoin is classified as a "retinoid." (For more detail, see "How Tretinoin Works" section below).
What Tretinoin Is Used For:
Tretinoin is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL, APML).
Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians sometimes elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it might be helpful.
How Tretinoin Is Given:
Tretinoin is given by mouth (in capsule form).
One size capsule - 10mg, do not crush, chew or dissolve capsules. Protect from light.
Take tretinoin with food.
It also is used as a lotion (topical) for patients with acne and certain rashes.
The amount of tretinoin you will receive depends on many factors, including you height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer you have. Your doctor will determine your dosage and schedule.
Side Effects:
Important things to remember about Tretinoin side effects:
Most people do not experience all of the Tretinoin side effects listed.
Tretinoin side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset, duration, and severity.
Tretinoin side effects will improve after treatment is complete.
Tretinoin side effects may be quite manageable. There are many options to help minimize or prevent the side effects of tretinoin.
There is no relationship between the presence or severity of tretinoin side effects and teh effectiveness of the medication.
***************************************
Tretinoin is used to treat acne. It works partly by keeping skin pores clear.
One of the tretinoin creams is used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin on the face caused by damaging rays of the sun. It works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin with newer skin, and by slowing down the way the body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by the sun. Tretinoin works best when used within a skin care program that includes protecting the treated skin from the sun. However, it does not completely or permanently erase these skin problems or greatly improve more obvious changes in the skin, such as deep wrinkles caused by sun or the natural aging process.
Tretinoin may also be used to treat other skin diseases as determined by your doctor.
Tretinoin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Proper UseTOP
It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause irritation of the skin.
Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds.
Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If the medicine accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once.
This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine.
Before applying tretinoin, wash the skin with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water by using the tips of your fingers. Then gently pat dry. Do not scrub your face with a sponge or washcloth. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine to make sure the skin is completely dry. Applying tretinoin to wet skin can irritate the skin.
To use the cream or gel form of this medicine:
Apply just enough medicine to very lightly cover the affected areas, and rub in gently but well. A pea-sized amount is enough to cover the whole face.
To use the solution form of this medicine:
Using your fingertips, a gauze pad, or a cotton swab, apply enough tretinoin solution to cover the affected areas. If you use a gauze pad or a cotton swab for applying the medicine, avoid getting it too wet. This will help prevent the medicine from running into areas not intended for treatment.
After applying the medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that might remain on them.
DosingTOP
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For topical dosage forms (cream, gel, or solution):
For acne:
Adults and teenagers-Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day, at bedtime.
For cream dosage form (brand name Renova only):
For fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin caused by the sun:
Adults up to 50 years of age-Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day, at bedtime.
Adults 50 years of age and older-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed DoseTOP
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
*********************************************