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Tretinoin TRET

An FDA-approved medication used topically (Retin-A) for acne and skin aging, and as a pill for a specific type of leukemia. Both very different uses are backed by strong research, with skin irritation being the main issue for the topical form and closer medical monitoring needed for the cancer treatment.

Also known as Retin-A, all-trans retinoic acid, Retinoic acid, all-trans-Retinoic acid, Vitamin A acid, trans-Retinoic acid, ATRA, Aberel, Eudyna

Effects Skin and hair

Routes Topical

Legal status Prescription drug

WADA Not listed

3D Molecular Structure of C₂₀H₂₈O₂

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Chemistry

Formula: C20H28O2
Molar mass: 300.4
CAS: 302-79-4
PubChem CID: 444795
IUPAC name: (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid
InChIKey: SHGAZHPCJJPHSC-YCNIQYBTSA-N

Reported dosing

Approved label

What has been reported in the literature and by users. This is a record of what is done, not a recommendation.

Typical dose 0.025-0.1% cream/gel, applied nightly (topical) or 45 mg/m2/day (oral, leukemia)

Reported range 0.01-0.1% (topical); 45 mg/m2/day divided doses (oral)

Route Topical or oral

Frequency Once daily (topical) or twice daily (oral)

Duration Ongoing (topical, chronic acne/anti-aging use) or per induction/consolidation protocol (oral, leukemia)

FDA-approved topically (Retin-A) for acne and skin aging, and orally for a specific type of leukemia (APL); the oral cancer use requires close medical monitoring.

Where this comes from FDA prescribing information

These figures are recorded for reference and are not a recommendation. Dosing is a decision for you and a clinician.