Retinoids are a group of drugs derived from vitamin A. This group of drugs is widely used to treat various skin diseases, such as acne and beauty treatments. Types of retinoids certain also can used in cancer treatment.
In general, retinoids work by influencing the formation and renewal of skin cells. This drug also has anti-inflammatory properties. In cancer treatment, retinoids work by affecting the immune system and activating substances that inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Some drugs that belong to the retinoid group are tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene, and retinol (vitamin A). These drugs can be used to treat diseases, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, to blood cancer (leukemia). Retinoids are also commonly used as ingredients in skin care products anti-aging.
Precautions Before Using Retinoids
Retinoids should not be used carelessly. There are several things you should pay attention to before using retinoids, namely:
- Do not use retinoids if you are allergic to this drug or to vitamin A. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, skin cancer, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or excess vitamin A.
- Do not use topical (topical) retinoids on open wounds, irritated skin, cracked skin, or sunburned skin.
- Limit activities with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during treatment with retinoids, as these drugs can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays.
- Retinoids should not be used in women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with retinoids.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using a retinoid.
Side Effects and Dangers Retinoids
There are several side effects that can occur after using retinoids, namely:
- Dry or irritated skin, especially if retinoids are combined with other ingredients skincare other
- Changes in skin color
- Skin is more sensitive to sunlight
- Red, crusty, or blistered skin
In addition, there are some side effects that can occur after taking oral retinoids, including:
- dry mouth
- Hair loss
- Headache or increased pressure within the brain cavity
- Night blindness or blurred vision
- Nausea or stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- High cholesterol
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Bone pain or muscle pain
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to medications after using retinoids.
Type, Trademark and Dosage Retinoids
The following are the types of drugs that are included in the retinoid group, along with the trademark, dosage form, and dosage according to the condition and age of the patient:
Tretinoin
Dosage form: Capsules, creams, gels
Trademarks: Depigment, Devaquin, Estera, Medi-Klin, Reviderm, Skinovit, Vitacid
For dosages and more information about this drug, please visit the topical tretinoin and oral tretinoin drugs page.
Isotretinoin
Dosage form: Capsules and gel
Trademarks: Ivory, Roaccutane
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the isotretinoin drug page.
Adapalene
Dosage form: Cream and gel
Trademarks: Alendion, Benzopalen, Evalen, Palenox, Pharmalene
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the adapalene drug page.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
Dosage form: Tablets, capsules, caplets, syrup
Trademarks: Eyevit, Ervision, Matovit, Oculex, Visionace, Vitacare Visigard, Vitamin A
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the vitamin A drug page.
Alitretinoin
Dosage form: Gel
Trademark: -
The following are the doses of alitretinoin for adults based on the condition to be treated:
- Condition: AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma
The initial dose of 0.1% gel is applied to the problem areas every 12 hours. The dose may be increased every 6–8 hours, depending on the patient's condition.
- Condition: Skin cell lymphoma
0.1% gel is applied to the problem areas every 12 hours.
Acitretin
Dosage form: Capsule
Trademark:-
The following are the doses of acitretin for adults based on the condition to be treated:
- Condition: Darier's Disease
The dose is 10 mg per day for 2–4 weeks. The dose can be increased to 25–40 mg per day according to the patient's condition.
- Condition: Skin disease, psoriasis
Initial dose 25–30 mg daily for 2–4 weeks. The dose will be increased according to the patient's condition. The usual dose is 25–50 mg per day for 6–8 weeks. The maximum dose is 75 mg per day.
Bexarotene
Dosage form: Capsules and gel
Trademark: -
The following is the dose of bexarotene for adults based on the condition to be treated and the form of the drug:
Condition: Skin cell lymphoma
- Capsule form: 300 mg/m2 body area 1 time a day. The dose can be increased to 400 mg/m2 body area per day if the condition does not improve after 8 weeks of treatment.
- Gel form: 1% gel is applied sparingly 1 time a day for 1 week. The dose can be increased to 4 times a day, i.e. every 6 hours.