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.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
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
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
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.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Food enhances absorption of retinoid drugs.1 Tretinoin capsules (Vesanoid®)
should be taken with food.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Antineoplastics, Miscellaneous Antineoplastics,
Tretinoin. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and
Comparisons, Jul 1996, 685w–5z.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications.
