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Tretinoin
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Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a medication used for the treatment of acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia.[8][9][10] For acne, it is applied to the skin as a cream, gel or ointment.[10] For acute promyelocytic leukemia, it is effective only when the RARA-PML fusion mutation is present[11] and is taken by mouth for up to three months.[8] Topical tretinoin is also the most extensively investigated retinoid therapy for photoaging.[12]
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Pronunciation | See pronunciation note |
Trade names | Retin-a, Avita, Renova, others |
Other names | ATRA |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph Topical Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a608032 |
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Routes of administration | Topical, by mouth |
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Protein binding | > 95% |
Elimination half-life | 0.5–2 hours |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.005.573 ![]() |
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Formula | C20H28O2 |
Molar mass | 300.442 g·mol−1 |
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Melting point | 180 °C (356 °F) |
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Common side effects when used as a cream are limited to the skin and include skin redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity.[10] When taken by mouth, side effects include hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, shortness of breath, headache, numbness, depression, skin dryness, itchiness, hair loss, vomiting, muscle pains, and vision changes.[8] Other severe side effects include high white blood cell counts and blood clots.[8] Use during pregnancy is contraindicated due to the risk of birth defects.[8][1] It is in the retinoid family of medications.[9]
Tretinoin was patented in 1957, and approved for medical use in 1962.[13] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[14] Tretinoin is available as a generic medication.[15] In 2021, it was the 206th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions.[16][17]