Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a retinoid medication primarily used in the treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), a type of blood cancer. It works by inducing the maturation and differentiation of abnormal leukemic cells, helping to restore normal blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Tretinoin is a cancer treatment drug that causes leukemic cells to mature and differentiate, used primarily for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D10AD01
- RxNorm
- 10753
- Generic
- Tretinoin
- Class
- atc-d10
- Brands
- Retin-A, Altreno, Avita, Twyneo, Tri-Luma, Tretin X, Ziana, Atralin, Renova, Refissa, Veltin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- cream, gel, solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- pea-sized amount
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- pea-sized amount
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- pea-sized amount
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
contraindicated during pregnancy due to high risk of fetal malformations. Do not use topical or oral formulations.
discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid use
continue to avoid all tretinoin formulations during second trimester
fetal ultrasound monitoring if exposed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid use
avoid use - discuss alternative treatments with dermatologist
fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not use topical or oral tretinoin while breastfeeding. Maternal use may expose infant to drug through breast milk.
monitor infant for adverse effects if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17use with caution
topical tretinoin approved for patients 12 years and older. Start with lower concentrations and less frequent application.
monitor for skin irritation and dryness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12use only if clearly needed
limited data for children under 12. Topical use only under close medical supervision.
close pediatric supervision required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusno specific adjustment
no specific dose adjustment needed for topical use. Oral use requires individual assessment.
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemonitor closely
no major dose adjustment needed for topical. For oral, monitor renal function and adjust if needed.
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be required
for oral tretinoin, dose reduction may be necessary. Topical use has minimal systemic absorption.
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Tretinoin is a topical retinoid derived from vitamin A
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for acne vulgaris treatment
Primary indications
FDA-approved therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism of action
Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), particularly for induction of remission in patients with this rare form of blood cancer.
Induces cytodifferentiation of primitive promyelocytes from the leukemic clone, causing them to mature into normal blood cells, while also decreasing proliferation of abnormal cells.
Requires careful monitoring by oncology specialists. May cause Retinoic Acid Syndrome, a serious complication. Treatment typically involves combination therapy and close hematologic monitoring. Complete blood counts and clinical status should be assessed regularly during therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy