Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical cream
- 0.02% (Renova)
- 0.025% (Retin-A, Avita)
- 0.05% (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa)
- 0.06% (Retin-A Micro Pump)
- 0.1% (Retin-A)
topical gel
- 0.01% (Retin-A)
- 0.025% (Retin-A, Avita)
- 0.04% (Retin-A Micro)
- 0.05% (Atralin)
- 0.08% (Retin-A Micro)
- 0.1% (Retin-A Micro)
topical solution
- 0.05% (Retin-A)
topical lotion
- 0.05% (Altreno)
Acne Vulgaris
Retin-A, Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Retin-A Micro, Tretin-X
- Apply a pea-sized amount topically qHS to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to lightly cover the entire affected area
Facial Wrinkles
Adjunct for mitigation of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial skin
Renova, Refissa
- Apply a pea-sized amount (0.02-0.05%) to the affected area qHS
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical cream
- 0.02% (Renova)
- 0.025% (Retin-A, Avita)
- 0.05% (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa)
- 0.1% (Retin-A)
topical gel
- 0.01% (Retin-A)
- 0.025% (Retin-A, Avita)
- 0.04% (Retin-A Micro)
- 0.05% (Atralin)
- 0.08% (Retin-A Micro)
- 0.1% (Retin-A Micro)
topical solution
- 0.05% (Retin-A)
topical lotion
- 0.05% (Altreno)
Acne Vulgaris
Retin-A, Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Retin-A Micro
- Altreno; <9 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Atralin; <10 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Avita; <12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Apply a pea-sized amount topically qHS to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to lightly cover the entire affected area
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Excessive dryness
Erythema
Scaling
Pruritus
Hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation
Photosensitivity
Initial acne flare-up
Edema
Blistering
Stinging
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Sunburn
Cautions
Extreme caution in eczema (may produce severe irritation of eczematous skin)
Discontinue if sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs
Exposure to UV light (including from sunlamps) increases intensity of inflammatory reaction; use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and protective clothing during exposure
Concomitant topical medications such as abrasive soaps, cleansers, or cosmetics with strong drying effects may increase skin irritation
Avoid use with weather extremes, such as wind or cold due to potential for increased irritation; excessive dryness, redness, and swollen or blistered skin may occur; reduce amount, frequency, or discontinue use until irritation disappears
Use Atralin Gel with caution if patient allergic to fish due to potential for allergenicity to fish protein; patients who develop pruritus or urticaria should contact their health care provider
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Not known whether excreted in breast milk
Pregnancy Categories
A:Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B:May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C:Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D:Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X:Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA:Information not available.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits microcomedo formation; decreases cohesiveness of keratinocytes in sebaceous follicles, which allows for easy removal; has anti-inflammatory properties
Absorption
Minimal
Elimination
Excretion: Urine (0.1%)
Administration
Topical Administration
Instruct patient to
- Apply pea-sized amount sparingly to skin where acne lesions appear
- Apply 20 minutes after skin is cleansed and completely dried
- Avoid lips and directly under eyes
- Avoid UV exposure
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
