TRETINOIN (tret'i-noyn)
Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Retinoic Acid, Vesanoid, Vitamin A Acid Classifications: antiacne (retinoid); antipsoriatic; Therapeutic: antiacne Prototype: Isotretinoin Pregnancy Category: C
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Availability
0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% cream; 0.025%, 0.01% gel; 0.05% liquid; 10 mg capsules
Action
Contact irritant containing retinoic acid and vitamin A acid. Reverses retention hyperkeratosis and comedo formation, primary
events in acne pathology. Suggests that keratinocytes in the sebaceous follicle become less adherent and turnover of follicular
epithelial cells is increased; two processes that promote easy extrusion of the comedo and prevent it from reformation.
Also increases permeability of skin and supports conversion of follicular epithelium into a less sturdy and almost fragile
condition.
Therapeutic Effect
Effective in early treatment and control of acne vulgaris grades IIII.
Uses
Topical treatment of acne vulgaris grades IIII, especially during early stages when number of comedones is greatest;
adjunctively in management of associated comedones and in treatment of flat warts; oral for remission induction treatment
of acute promyelocytic leukemia; cream as adjunctive therapy for mitigation of fine wrinkles.
Unlabeled Uses
Psoriasis, senile keratosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, keratosis palmaris and plantaris, basal cell carcinoma, photodamaged skin
(photoaging), and other skin conditions. Orphan drug: For squamous metaplasia of conjunctiva or cornea with mucous deficiency and keratinization.
Contraindications
Eczema; exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays (as with sunlamp), sunburn; pregnancy (category C); lactation; children
<12 y.
Cautious Use
Patient in an occupation necessitating considerable sun exposure or weather extremes; hepatic disease.
Route & Dosage
Acne Adult: Topical Apply once/d h.s.
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Adult: PO 45 mg/m2/d
Antiwrinkle Cream Adult: Topical (0.05% cream) Apply to face once daily h.s.
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Administration
Topical
- Wait long enough for recovery if patient has been using a desquamative agent before starting treatment.
- Cleanse using a mild bland soap, and thoroughly dry areas being treated before applying drug. Avoid use of medicated, drying,
or abrasive soaps and cleansers.
- Wash hands before and after treatment. Apply lightly over affected areas. Do not apply to nonaffected skin area.
- Avoid contact of drug with eyes, mouth, angles of nose, open wounds, mucous membranes.
- Store gel and liquid formulations below 30° C (86° F) and solution below 27° C (80° F).
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Body as a Whole: Note: Listed adverse effects occur primarily with oral administration; only skin effects with topical administration.
Bone pain, malaise, shivering, hemorrhage, peripheral edema, pain, chest discomfort, weight gain or loss, DIC. CNS: Dizziness, paresthesias, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headache, fever, weakness, fatigue, cerebral hemorrhage, intracranial hypertension, hallucinations.
CV: Arrhythmias, flushing, hypotension, hypertension, CHF.
Special Senses: Visual disturbances, ocular disturbances, change in visual acuity, earache.
GI: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, GI hemorrhage. Respiratory: Dyspnea, respiratory insufficiency, pneumonia, rales, pleural effusion, wheezing. Skin: Local inflammatory reactions, transient stinging or warmth on site,
redness, scaling, severe erythema, blistering, crusting and peeling, temporary hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation,
increased sweating. Urogenital: Renal insufficiency, dysuria, acute kidney failure.
Interactions
Drug: topical acne medications (including
sulfur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, and
salicylic acid) may increase inflammation and peeling; topical products containing
alcohol or
menthol may cause stinging.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Minimally absorbed from intact skin, Topical; 60% absorbed, PO.
Elimination: About 0.1% of topical dose is excreted in urine within 24 h; 63% excreted in urine and 31% in feces, PO.
Half-Life: 45 min, Topical; 22.5 h, PO.
Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Be aware that treatment to dark-skinned individuals may cause unsightly postinflammatory hyperpigmentation; that is reversible
with termination of drug treatment.
- Clinical response should be evident in 23 wk; complete and satisfactory response (in 75% of the patients) may
require 34 mo. Once achieved, control is maintained by less frequent applications or a change in formulation or dosage.
Patient & Family Education
- Be aware that erythema and desquamation during the first 13 wk of treatment do not represent exacerbation of the skin
problem but a probable response to the drug from deep previously unseen lesions.
- As treatment is continued, lesions gradually disappear, leaving an inflammatory background; scaling and redness decrease
after 810 wk of therapy.
- Wash face no more often than 23 times daily.
- Do not use topical preparations with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime, perfumes and shaving lotions
during treatment period.
- Be aware that drug is not curative; relapses commonly occur within 36 wk after treatment has been discontinued.
- Remove nonmedicated cosmetics thoroughly before drug is applied.
- Avoid exposure to sun; when cannot be avoided, use a SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.
- Do not self-medicate with additional acne treatment because of danger of drug interactions.