Drug Name
Retin-A (Tretinoin)
Drug Uses
Retin-A is usually used to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It produces a light, superficial peel of the epidermis. Retin-A has effects on the both the superficial (epidermis) along with the deep (dermis) parts of the epidermis. The major benefit is to say goodbye of sunlight caused aging by helping the speed with which the surface cells are replaced.
How to use
Apply a thin layer to affected area once daily at bed time. Use a gauze pad or cotton swab to apply the liquid. Wash the hands soon after use. Using this medication more frequently or even in excessive amounts does not improve the results, but may increase negative effects. Avoid applying nearby the eyes, mouth, or open cuts because medication can irritate sensitive skin. Acne can happen to worsen when the medication is first used; continue therapy. It may take 3 to 6 weeks prior to the full-benefits with this medication are noticed. Use mild soap when washing the face. Do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist relating to use. Use other acne preparations with caution with all the medicines.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. Topical Tretinoin can be used within the treatments for mild to moderate acne and also on skin which has been damaged by excessive sun damage. Tretinoin irritates your skin layer and results in cellular structure of the epidermis to develop (divide) and die faster, that is, zinc increases the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in the skin really is reduced. In patients with acne, new cells replace cells of existing pimples, as well as the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism, Tretinoin can reduce some wrinkles, aspects of darkened skin, and rough parts of skin, which occur in sun-damaged skin. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in your skin layer usually are located from the first three to four weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after six to eight weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after 3-6 months. Following application to skin, a minimal amount of drug is distributed around our bodies.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; avoid using if it's almost time for an additional dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature from sunlight. Keep this and all sorts of medications out of your reach of kids.
Possible Side Effects
Due to the possibility of irritation, make sure you begin treatment on a small area of skin. Exposure towards the sun as well as to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation. During treatment, such exposure must be avoided whenever possible or even a sun block lotion ought to be used. During the first weeks of treatment there can be an apparent worsening of the problem. Such a reaction is perfectly normal because small cysts deep within your skin layer are eliminated with an accelerated rate. This medication can increase sensitivity wind and cold. Avoid prolonged sun damage and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and make use of a highly effective sunscreen. If any ingredient should cause hypersensitivity, discontinue use.
More Information
Serious unwanted side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using tretinoin topical and seek emergency medical assistance in the event you experience a hypersensitivity (difficulty breathing; closing of one's throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may go through some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while you're using tretinoin topical. If these unwanted effects are excessive, confer with your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of tretinoin topical.
If you see changing your pores and skin, contact your doctor.
Side effects aside from those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any complication that seems unusual or that is certainly especially bothersome.
Warnings/Precautions
This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use a powerful sunscreen. This medication should be used during pregnancy provided that clearly needed. It is not known if Retin-A appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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