Part Two of Retacnyl Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of tretinoin topical?

  • Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using tretinoin topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your 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 while you are using tretinoin topical. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of tretinoin topical.
  • If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect tretinoin topical?

  • Do not use tretinoin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
    • a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Esidrix, Microzide, Oretic), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others;
    • a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Robitet, others), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin), doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs), demeclocycline (Declomycin), and others;
    • a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others;
    • a sulfonamide antibiotic such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), and others; or
    • a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others.
  • The medications listed above may increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV rays from sunlight or artificial light (e.g., sunlamps). Generally, tretinoin topical should not be used with any of the medicines listed above.
  • Do not use products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid during treatment with tretinoin topical unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The combination could lead to severe skin irritation.
  • Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate your skin.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tretinoin topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about tretinoin topical written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 5.03. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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