Drug Name
Retin-A (Tretinoin)
Drug Uses
Retin-A is usually used to help the appearance and texture of the epidermis. It produces a mild, superficial peel on the skin. Retin-A has effects on the both the superficial (epidermis) as well as the deep (dermis) parts of your skin. The major benefit is always to minimizing the effects of sunlight caused aging by improving the speed with which the surface cells are replaced.
How to use
Apply a thin layer to involved area daily at night. Use a gauze pad or cotton swab to make use of the liquid. Wash the hands immediately after use. Using medicines more often or perhaps in excessive amounts won't help the results, but may increase side effects. Avoid applying at the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this medication can bother sensitive skin. Acne may seem to worsen once the drugs are first used; continue therapy. It may take 3 to 6 weeks prior to full-benefits of the medication are located. Use gentle soap when washing see your face. Do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about their use. Use other acne preparations with caution while using the prescription drugs.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Tretinoin is often a derivative of vitamin A. Topical Tretinoin can be used inside treatments for mild to moderate acne and so on skin which has been damaged by excessive sun damage. Tretinoin irritates skin to cause the cells of your skin growing (divide) and die quicker, that is, it improves the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in your skin layer actually is reduced. In patients with acne, new cells replace cellular matrix of existing pimples, as well as the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism, Tretinoin is able to reduce some wrinkles, areas of darkened skin, and rough areas of skin, all of which happen in sun-damaged skin. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in skin usually are seen inside the first three to four weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after six to 8 weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after three to six months. Following application to skin, a minimal amount of drug is distributed around one's body.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, utilize it after remembered; avoid using whether it is almost time for the following dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to trap up.
Storage
Store at room temperature far from sunlight. Keep this and many types of medications out of your reach of kids.
Possible Side Effects
Due for the potential for irritation, it is advisable to begin treatment on the small part of skin. Exposure on the sun in order to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation. During treatment, such exposure must be avoided whenever you can or possibly a sun block lotion must be used. During the first weeks of treatment there may be an apparent worsening of the problem. Such a reaction is perfectly normal because small cysts deep within your skin are increasingly being eliminated at an accelerated rate. This medication can increase sensitivity wind and cold. Avoid prolonged sun damage and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and make use of an 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 help if you experience a hypersensitivity (breathlessness; closing of your respective throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may experience some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation when you are using tretinoin topical. If these negative effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of tretinoin topical.
If you see a change in your pores and skin, speak to your doctor.
Side effects aside from those listed here can also occur. Talk to your doctor about any unwanted effect that seems unusual or that's especially bothersome.
Warnings/Precautions
This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. This medication must be used when pregnant only if clearly needed. It is not known if Retin-A appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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