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What is difference between tretinoin and isotrenoin?
18 أغسطس 2014
رأي ثانوي

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د. Rania Mousa الطب العام
Tretinoin and isotretinoin certainly sound similar, so it's no surprise that you're wondering if they're the same medication. But despite the sound-alike names, tretinoin and isotretinoin are two very different drugs that work in very different ways. They cannot be used interchangeably.

Tretinoin is the active ingredient in the brand name drugs Retin-A and Retin-A Micro (just to name a few). On the other hand, you'll probably recognize isotretinoin by its more common name Accutane.

Tretinoin medications are used topically to treat acne, so you'll apply them directly to your skin. Typically, you apply tretinoin medications once or twice a day. Tretinoin helps to clear acne by speeding up cell turnover rates and unclogging pores. It can help clear inflamed pimples as well as blackheads.

While tretinoin medications are used to treat mild to moderate breakouts, isotretinoin is reserved for severe forms of acne. It is also used to treat acne that isn't necessarily severe, but stubborn and not responding to other types of acne medication.

Unlike most acne medications, isotretinoin is only used for a finite length of time. Most people only need one or two courses in their lifetime. If it works, it essentially "cures" acne.

Tretinoin, on the other hand, can be used for longer lengths of time. You'll probably continue to use it even after acne has cleared up, to keep breakouts from coming back.

Tretinoin controls acne, while you're using it, but doesn't cure it like isotretinoin can.

Isotretinoin is an effective acne treatment, but it does come with the possibility of side effects, some of them serious.Tretinoin comes with less risk

Obviously, these are two very different medications. But, despite their differences, they do have a few things in common. Both tretinoin and isotretinoin are related to vitamin A (this explains why they have such similar sounding names).

And, for both tretinoin and isotretinoin, you'll need a prescription from your dermatologist. In fact, making an appointment with a dermatologist is probably a good idea anyway. Your dermatologist can help devise a treatment plan for you, whether it includes tretinoin, isotretinoin, or another acne treatment option.
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