WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Tretinoin is used to treat acne. Tretinoin is also used to reduce fine wrinkles. Tretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by increasing production of new skin cells and unclogging pores.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Tretinoin comes as a lotion, cream, and gel. Use tretinoin daily at bedtime.
Use tretinoin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Tretinoin works slowly to control acne. Your acne probably will get worse (red, scaling skin and an increase in acne sores) during the first 7 to 10 days that you use this medication. Continue to use it. The acne sores should improve in 2 to 3 weeks (and sometimes more than 6 weeks) of regular use.
Tretinoin may reduce fine wrinkles but does not remove them or repair sun-damaged skin. It may take 3 to 4 months or up to 6 months before you notice improvement.
If you stop using tretinoin, the improvement may gradually disappear.
Use only non-medicated cosmetics on your skin. Do not use topical preparations with a lot of alcohol, menthol, spices, or lime (e.g., shaving lotions, astringents, and perfumes); they can sting your skin, especially when you first use tretinoin.
Do not use any other topical medications, especially benzoyl peroxide, hair removers,
salicylic acid (wart remover), and dandruff shampoos containing sulfur or resorcinol unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you have used any of these topical medications recently, ask your doctor if you should wait before using tretinoin.
Your doctor may tell you to use a skin moisturizer to help with dryness.
If you are to apply any form of tretinoin, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands and affected skin area thoroughly with mild, bland soap (not medicated or abrasive soap or soap that dries the skin) and water. Let your skin dry as directed.
- Use clean fingertips to apply the medication. Do not let tretinoin get into your eyes, ears, mouth, corners along your nose, or vaginal area. Also do not apply to areas of sunburned skin or skin affected by eczema.
- Use enough medication to cover the affected area with a thin layer.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before using tretinoin,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other
drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what
symptoms you had. - tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. while using tretinoin Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with tretinoin: benzoyl peroxide, hair removers, salicylic acid (wart remover), and dandruff shampoos containing sulfur or resorcinol. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these
medications before you start using tretinoin. Do not start any of these medications while using tretinoin without discussing with your healthcare provider. - tell your doctor if you have or have ever had eczema (a skin disease),
actinic keratoses (scaly spots or patches on the top layer of the skin),
skin cancer,
or other skin conditions. - tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using tretinoin, call your doctor.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light (tanning beds and sunlamps). Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially over the treated areas.
- you should know that weather extremes, such as wind and cold, may be particularly irritating to the treated areas.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream, lotion, or gel to make up for a missed dose.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately:
- itching, rash, hives
- pain or discomfort at the treatment area
Tretinoin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not allow the medication to freeze.
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
If someone swallows tretinoin, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
Other Name(s):
- Altinac®¶
- Altreno®
- Atralin®
- Avita®
- Refissa®¶
- Renova®
- Retin-A®
- Retin-A®Micro
- Tretin X®¶
- Solage® (as a combination product containing Mequinol, Tretinoin)¶
- Tri-Luma® (as a combination product containing Fluocinolone, Hydroquinone, Tretinoin)
- Veltin® (as a combination product containing Clindamycin, Tretinoin)
- Ziana® (as a combination product containing Clindamycin, Tretinoin)
Retinoic Acid, Vitamin A Acid
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: December 15, 2025.
