Tri-Luma
Classes
Depigmenting Agents
Administration
Hazardous Drugs Classification
Tretinoin is classified as a hazardous drug.
NIOSH 2016 List: Group 3
NIOSH (Draft) 2020 List: Table 2
Observe and exercise appropriate precautions for handling, preparation, administration, and disposal of hazardous drugs.
Use double chemotherapy gloves and protective gown. Eye/face and respiratory protection may be needed during preparation and administration.
A proper skin care and sun avoidance program including avoidance of the sun and protective clothing should accompany the use of this cream. The concurrent use of daily sunscreen with SPF 30 is recommended both during and after discontinuation of treatment.
Wash hands before and after application.
Apply cream at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
After washing the face with a mild, soapless cleanser, apply a thin layer of the cream topically with the fingers to the areas of discoloration and also to roughly one-half inch of the surrounding, normally colored skin on the face; the cream should be massaged gently into the affected areas until no longer visible.
Do not cover the treated area with an occlusive dressing.
Do not apply the cream to the eye area; avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes. If contact with the eye(s) occur, the eye(s) should be washed with large amounts of water; contact prescriber if ocular irritation persists. Do not use on irritated, denuded, or damaged skin.
Adverse Reactions
corneal opacification / Delayed / Incidence not known
skin atrophy / Delayed / Incidence not known
erythema / Early / 41.0-41.0
hyperesthesia / Delayed / 2.0-2.0
contact dermatitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
edema / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression / Delayed / Incidence not known
glycosuria / Early / Incidence not known
hyperglycemia / Delayed / Incidence not known
Cushing's syndrome / Delayed / Incidence not known
impaired wound healing / Delayed / Incidence not known
skin ulcer / Delayed / Incidence not known
pruritus / Rapid / 11.0-11.0
acne vulgaris / Delayed / 5.0-5.0
telangiectasia / Delayed / 3.0-3.0
paresthesias / Delayed / 3.0-3.0
rash / Early / 1.0-1.0
acneiform rash / Delayed / 1.0-1.0
xerostomia / Early / 1.0-1.0
skin irritation / Early / Incidence not known
nail discoloration / Delayed / Incidence not known
skin hyperpigmentation / Delayed / Incidence not known
skin discoloration / Delayed / Incidence not known
xerosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
photosensitivity / Delayed / Incidence not known
skin hypopigmentation / Delayed / Incidence not known
infection / Delayed / Incidence not known
miliaria / Delayed / Incidence not known
folliculitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
striae / Delayed / Incidence not known
dysgeusia / Early / Incidence not known
Common Brand Names
Tri-Luma
Dea Class
Rx
Description
Topical therapy for melasma; use in combination with sun avoidance program; for short-term treatment only; will not cure melasma; once treatment is discontinued repigmentation usually occurs.
Dosage And Indications
Apply cream topically to the affected area(s) once daily at night, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Up to 4 weeks of therapy may be required before improvement is evident.
Use not recommended.
Dosing Considerations
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Renal ImpairmentSpecific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Drug Interactions
Adapalene; Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Benzoyl peroxide can potentiate the skin irritation caused by topical tretinoin. Concurrent application of these agents on areas treated with tretinoin should be avoided. (Minor) Keratolytic agents or products that contain keratolytic agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, can potentiate the skin irritation caused by hydroquinone and hydroquinone-containing products. Also, concurrent use of topical hydroquinone and topical peroxide (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) on the same area of skin can result in transient dark staining of the skin due to oxidation of hydroquinone. Removal of staining can be accomplished by discontinuing concurrent use and by normal soap cleansing. Concurrent application of such agents should generally be avoided.
Aliskiren; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Amiloride; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Amlodipine; Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Atenolol; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Azilsartan; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Benazepril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Benzoyl peroxide can potentiate the skin irritation caused by topical tretinoin. Concurrent application of these agents on areas treated with tretinoin should be avoided. (Minor) Keratolytic agents or products that contain keratolytic agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, can potentiate the skin irritation caused by hydroquinone and hydroquinone-containing products. Also, concurrent use of topical hydroquinone and topical peroxide (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) on the same area of skin can result in transient dark staining of the skin due to oxidation of hydroquinone. Removal of staining can be accomplished by discontinuing concurrent use and by normal soap cleansing. Concurrent application of such agents should generally be avoided.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Clindamycin: (Moderate) Benzoyl peroxide can potentiate the skin irritation caused by topical tretinoin. Concurrent application of these agents on areas treated with tretinoin should be avoided. (Minor) Keratolytic agents or products that contain keratolytic agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, can potentiate the skin irritation caused by hydroquinone and hydroquinone-containing products. Also, concurrent use of topical hydroquinone and topical peroxide (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) on the same area of skin can result in transient dark staining of the skin due to oxidation of hydroquinone. Removal of staining can be accomplished by discontinuing concurrent use and by normal soap cleansing. Concurrent application of such agents should generally be avoided.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Erythromycin: (Moderate) Benzoyl peroxide can potentiate the skin irritation caused by topical tretinoin. Concurrent application of these agents on areas treated with tretinoin should be avoided. (Minor) Keratolytic agents or products that contain keratolytic agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, can potentiate the skin irritation caused by hydroquinone and hydroquinone-containing products. Also, concurrent use of topical hydroquinone and topical peroxide (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) on the same area of skin can result in transient dark staining of the skin due to oxidation of hydroquinone. Removal of staining can be accomplished by discontinuing concurrent use and by normal soap cleansing. Concurrent application of such agents should generally be avoided.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Sulfur: (Moderate) Benzoyl peroxide can potentiate the skin irritation caused by topical tretinoin. Concurrent application of these agents on areas treated with tretinoin should be avoided. (Minor) Keratolytic agents or products that contain keratolytic agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, can potentiate the skin irritation caused by hydroquinone and hydroquinone-containing products. Also, concurrent use of topical hydroquinone and topical peroxide (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) on the same area of skin can result in transient dark staining of the skin due to oxidation of hydroquinone. Removal of staining can be accomplished by discontinuing concurrent use and by normal soap cleansing. Concurrent application of such agents should generally be avoided.
Bisoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Candesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Captopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorothiazide: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorpromazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorpropamide: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Chlorthalidone; Clonidine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Ciprofloxacin: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of tretinoin with other drugs known to cause photosensitivity, such as ciprofloxacin. Concomitant use with other photosensitizing agents may increase the risk of a photosensitivity reaction.
Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Codeine; Promethazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Enalapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Eprosartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Fluphenazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Fosinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Gemifloxacin: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of tretinoin with other drugs known to cause photosensitivity, such as gemifloxacin. Concomitant use with other photosensitizing agents may increase the risk of a photosensitivity reaction.
Glimepiride: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glipizide: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glipizide; Metformin: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glyburide: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Glyburide; Metformin: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Methyldopa: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Moexipril: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Levofloxacin: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of tretinoin with other drugs known to cause photosensitivity, such as levofloxacin. Concomitant use with other photosensitizing agents may increase the risk of a photosensitivity reaction.
Lisinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Losartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Methyclothiazide: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Metolazone: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Metoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Metyrapone: (Major) Medications which affect pituitary or adrenocortical function, including all corticosteroid therapy, should be discontinued prior to and during testing with metyrapone. Patients taking inadvertent doses of corticosteroids on the test day may exhibit abnormally high basal plasma cortisol levels and a decreased response to the test. Although systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids is minimal, temporary discontinuation of these products should be considered if possible to reduce the potential for interference with the test results.
Moxifloxacin: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of tretinoin with other drugs known to cause photosensitivity, such as moxifloxacin. Concomitant use with other photosensitizing agents may increase the risk of a photosensitivity reaction.
Ofloxacin: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of tretinoin with other drugs known to cause photosensitivity, such as ofloxacin. Concomitant use with other photosensitizing agents may increase the risk of a photosensitivity reaction.
Olmesartan; Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Olmesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Perphenazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Perphenazine; Amitriptyline: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Phenothiazines: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Pioglitazone; Glimepiride: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Prochlorperazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Promethazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Promethazine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Promethazine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Propranolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Quinapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Spironolactone; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Sulfonylureas: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Telmisartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Thiazide diuretics: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Thioridazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Tolazamide: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Tolbutamide: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as sulfonylureas, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Tretinoin; Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Benzoyl peroxide can potentiate the skin irritation caused by topical tretinoin. Concurrent application of these agents on areas treated with tretinoin should be avoided. (Minor) Keratolytic agents or products that contain keratolytic agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, can potentiate the skin irritation caused by hydroquinone and hydroquinone-containing products. Also, concurrent use of topical hydroquinone and topical peroxide (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) on the same area of skin can result in transient dark staining of the skin due to oxidation of hydroquinone. Removal of staining can be accomplished by discontinuing concurrent use and by normal soap cleansing. Concurrent application of such agents should generally be avoided.
Triamterene; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Trifluoperazine: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) A manufacturer of topical tretinoin states that tretinoin, ATRA should be administered with caution in patients who are also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, such as thiazide diuretics, as concomitant use may augment phototoxicity. Patients should take care and use proper techniques to limit sunlight and UV exposure of treated areas.
Voriconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for potential adrenal dysfunction with concomitant use of voriconazole and fluocinolone. In patients taking corticosteroids, voriconazole-associated CYP3A4 inhibition of their metabolism may lead to corticosteroid excess and adrenal suppression. Corticosteroid exposure is likely to be increased. Voriconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, and fluocinolone is a CYP3A4 substrate.
How Supplied
Tri-Luma Topical Cream: 0.01-4-0.05%
Maximum Dosage
No maximum dosage information is available.
ElderlyNo maximum dosage information is available.
AdolescentsSafety and efficacy have not been established.
ChildrenSafety and efficacy have not been established.
Mechanism Of Action
Topical fluocinolone-hydroquinone-tretinoin cream is effective at reducing hyperpigmentation associated with melasma of the face. Improvements are usually noticed within the first month of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade at around six to eight weeks. Discontinuation of treatment usually results in a loss of pharmacologic effect, with remission periods appearing to shorten between progressive courses of treatment.
•Fluocinolone: The antiinflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins. Early anti-inflammatory effects of topical corticosteroids include the inhibition of macrophage and leukocyte movement and activity in the inflamed area by reversing vascular dilation and permeability. Later inflammatory processes such as capillary production, collagen deposition, keloid (scar) formation also are inhibited by corticosteroids.
•Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone inhibits melanin formation by blocking the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in melanocytes. Other melanocyte metabolic processes are also inhibited. Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light will cause re-pigmentation of bleached areas.
•Tretinoin: The mechanism of action of tretinoin as a depigmenting agent is unknown. Tretinoin is a retinoid and thus is a natural ligand for retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Available evidence strongly suggests that retinoid actions are mediated by RARs. Retinoic acid receptors bind to regulatory regions in DNA called retinoic acid response elements (RARE) or target sequences, and activate gene transcription. The skin effects of topical tretinoin must somehow occur through regulated gene expression, which then modulates skin growth and pigmentation. Increased shedding of melanin-laden keratinocytes from the retinoid-treated epidermis is likely to result in decreased melanin content within the epidermal layer. In melanocytes, tretinoin significantly reduces the size of the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. In vitro, tretinoin inhibits tyrosinase and thus tretinoin may also reduce melanin production. Tretinoin does not inhibit resting or basal levels of tyrosinase activity. Therefore, topical tretinoin is unlikely to result in hypopigmentation of normal skin.
Pharmacokinetics
Fluocinolone; hydroquinone; tretinoin is applied topically as a cream. Anti-inflammatory effects are usually not seen for hours after fluocinolone application, since the mechanism of action requires alterations in synthesis of proteins. Because fluocinolone is fluorinated and also contains a substituted 17-hydroxyl group, it is not metabolized in the skin. Fluocinolone is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Topical RouteFluocinolone: The extent of percutaneous absorption of the topical corticosteroids is dependent on many factors, including the pharmaceutical vehicle and the integrity of the epidermis. Absorption after topical application of fluocinolone is increased in areas that have skin damage, inflammation, or occlusion, or in areas where the stratum corneum is thin such as the face. Repeated application results in a cumulative depot effect in the skin, which may lead to a prolonged duration of action and increased systemic absorption. Although, after once daily topical application of fluocinolone; hydroquinone; tretinoin cream to intact skin for eight weeks, plasma concentrations were below quantitation limit in study patients.
Hydroquinone: After once daily topical application of fluocinolone; hydroquinone; tretinoin cream to intact skin for eight weeks, 18% of patients in clinical trials showed evidence of hydroquinone systemic absorption. The exposure to hydroquinone is reflected in Cmax values considered to be negligible, ranging from 25.55—86.52 ng/mL.
Tretinoin: Following topical application, a minimal amount of drug is absorbed systemically. After once daily topical application of fluocinolone; hydroquinone; tretinoin cream to intact skin for eight weeks, tretinoin appeared to have minimal systemic absorption. The Cmax values for tretinoin ranged from 2—5.34 ng/mL, which reflects a minimal increase in normal endogenous levels of tretinoin.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Fluocinolone; hydroquinone; tretinoin is defined by the FDA as pregnancy risk category C; it is important to consider that the potential fetal risk of this drug will more than likely outweigh any benefits in the treatment of melasma. No adequate or well-controlled trials have been conducted with fluocinolone; hydroquinone; tretinoin cream in pregnant women. This cream is recommended to be avoided in pregnancy or in females who are trying to become pregnant. There have been observations of teratogenic/embryotoxic effects of tretinoin and other retinoids at topically applied doses in rats and rabbits. Corticosteroids have also been shown to be teratogenic in animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosages. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in animals. Females of childbearing potential should practice adequate contraception.
According to the manufacturer, it is not known whether fluocinolone, hydroquinone, or tretinoin is distributed into breast milk, and caution should be exercised when administering fluocinolone; hydroquinone; tretinoin during breast-feeding. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally administered drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.