Tretinoin
Also sold as: Retino-A, Retin-A
Prescription neededSkin medicines
Comes as:CreamGel
Usual adult dose
Acne: apply a pea-sized amount thinly over the whole affected area once a day at night, on dry skin. Use sunscreen during the day. Results take 6 to 12 weeks.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- redness
- peeling
- dryness
- burning
- acne may get worse at first
- skin burns easily in the sun
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe blistering or swelling of the skin
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy
- Eczema or sunburned skin
- Do not put on the eyes, lips or broken skin
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.
- Benzoyl peroxide
Using both increases skin irritation; apply them at different times of day.