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TRETINOIN

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Tretinoin is a slightly altered version of vitamin A. Topical tretinoin is available in cream, gel, and liquid forms to treat acne, other skin conditions, and some forms of skin cancer. Tretinoin is also available in oral capsules used to induce remission in people with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Safetychecker Summary for Tretinoin
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.

Vitamin A*

Depletion or interference

None known

Side effect reduction/prevention

None known

Supportive interaction

None known

Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability

None known

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Vitamin A
Large amounts of vitamin A can cause side effects, and oral tretinoin can cause similar side effects. Combining vitamin A with oral tretinoin is likely to increase the risk of side effects. People taking oral tretinoin should probably not take more than 10,000 IU of supplemental vitamin A per day.

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Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Food enhances absorption of retinoid drugs.1 Tretinoin capsules (Vesanoid®) should be taken with food.

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References: Top

1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Antineoplastics, Miscellaneous Antineoplastics, Tretinoin. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1996, 685w–5z.