GENERIC NAME: tretinoin
IUPAC NAME: retinoic acid.
BRAND NAMES: Retin-A, Atralin, Renova, Avita, Altinac
Introduction to Tretinoin:
Tritinoin can also be named as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA. It can be obtained from vitamin A, and it is usually entitled to treat acne problems (when one attends puberty) and skin tanning which has resulted from exposure to harmful UV sun rays. This drug is available in the form of cream or gel. But due to advanced research, Tritinoin can also be one of the solutions to skin-ageing. FDA has approved the usage of Tretinoin tropically. Its gel preparation is done by following the doses given in percentages: 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.04%, 0.05% & 0.1% and dose percentages of cream are given as: 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.05% & 0.1%. It is stored at a controlling temperature ranging from 15-25°C or 59-77°F. It is usually prescribed for treatment of moderate acne, fine lines leading to wrinkles and skin pigmentation.
Mechanism of Tretinoin Drug:
This drug at first causes the skin to get excited and thereby helps it to increase the growth of the skin cells and results in increased cell death rate.
This leads to the reduction of skin layers to a greater extent in the affected zone.
In case of acne problems, it increases the turnover of the pus cells and reduces the chances of new acne.
In case of sun tanning, damages get reduced within 3-4 weeks of usage. It lightens the brown spots in a month thereby leaving you with a blemish free skin.
It is also effective in reducing wrinkles and smoothing the rough skin.
Mode of application: tropical is preferred over oral.
Method of application:
1. cleanse the area which is to be treated
2. leave it to dry for half an hour
3. then gently apply the cream by rubbing over that region
4. Wash your hands immediately after applying it.
Frequency of application: once in 24 hours usually after the sunset.
Side effects:
> local inflammation as along as regularly used
> warm sensation leading to redness to the skin
> dry, rough skin
> scaling or crusting may result
> Proneness to photo-sensitivity or simply sunburn.
If such side effects are viewed then immediately consult a physician. This therapy can be restarted by applying low concentration of this drug. It would be safe to avoid the exposure of the effected area of the skin to the harmful UV rays. Effectiveness of this drug during pregnancy or its potential risks is still under research. It is still left to confirm the transfer of this drug from the mother to her fetus, thereby leading to excessive accumulation in the under developed organ parts of the infants. Hence it is suggested to avoid Tretinoin treatment during pregnancy. Combining other medications like salicylic acid with this drug for treating acne may lead to skin irritation.
It has been found from online reviews that though this medication does not have professional label but in many cases it may be prescribed by your general physician. It can act as a multipurpose cream with a raving performance.
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