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What is the difference between Altreno and other topical tretinoin acne formulations?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 22, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Altreno is the only topical tretinoin acne formulation that is a lotion.

Altreno (tretinoin 0.05%) from Ortho Dermatologics is first tretinoin lotion approved for use in acne and is used in patients 9 years of age and older. Other topical tretinoin products for acne are available, but do not come as a lotion; these include: Atralin (gel), Avita (cream and gel), Retin-A (cream and gel), and Retin-A Micro (gel).

Tretinoin is an effective topical retinoid commonly used to treat acne, but retinoids can be associated with skin dryness, peeling, and sensitivity. Altreno lotion includes hyaluronic acid, glycerin and collagen with moisturizing effects. Skin dryness, pain, swelling, irritation and peeling were reported in ≤4% of patients with Altreno.

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Tazarotene and tretinoin work about the same when applied to the skin to treat acne, but Tazarotene works faster and in one study worked more effectively for some signs of sun damaged skin and the signs of aging. They are also similar in terms of the side effects they cause, although tazarotene may cause more irritation when treatment is first started. Tretinoin tends to be cheaper than tazarotene Continue reading

Yes, it’s possible to use Winlevi and tretinoin together if your dermatologist has prescribed them both. However, both medications can cause skin irritation, so ask your doctor if you should be alternating or spacing them out a certain way. Continue reading

No, Tazorac (tazarotene) and Retin-A (tretinoin, all-trans retinoic acid) are not the same, but they do belong to the same class or group of drugs known as retinoids.

Retin-A is a first-generation retinoid and was the first topical retinoid to be developed. Tazorac, on the other hand, is a third-generation retinoid. A key difference between Tazorac and Retin-A is that they have different chemical structures.

Tazorac and Retin-A work about the same when used to treat acne and are also similar in terms of the side effects they produce.

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