{"id":9613,"date":"2026-08-10T06:38:52","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T06:38:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/?post_type=docs&p=1615"},"modified":"2026-08-21T11:42:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T11:42:47","password":"","slug":"tretinoin-sol-in-chronic-acne-vulgaris","status":"publish","type":"docs","link":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/dokumanlar\/acne-preparations\/tretinoin-sol-in-chronic-acne-vulgaris\/","title":{"rendered":"Tretinoin Sol. in Chronic Acne Vulgaris"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tretinoin Solution in the Treatment of Chronic Acne Vulgaris<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dear Colleagues; this week we will examine a formula from the German Standard Formulas used in the treatment of Chronic Acne Vulgaris, also known as Acne indurata, which is characterized by large papules and pustules marked by numerous acne lesions that often cause severe scars and presenting as broad, hypertrophic scar formations.<\/p>\n

Ethanolic tretinoin solution;<\/p>\n

Rp.<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Substance<\/th>\n0.025 %<\/th>\n0.05 %<\/th>\n0.1 %<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Tretinoin<\/td>\n0.025<\/td>\n0.05<\/td>\n0.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Butylhydroxytoluol<\/td>\n0.055<\/td>\n0.055<\/td>\n0.055<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Propylenglycol<\/td>\n50.0<\/td>\n50.0<\/td>\n50.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ethanol 96 %<\/td>\n49.92<\/td>\n49.895<\/td>\n49.845<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Substances in the formula:<\/h3>\n
Vitamin A acid- Retinoic acid- Acide retinoique- Retinoic acid- Tretinoine [DCF; FP; INN]:<\/div>\n

According to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur. 8), tretinoin is a yellow or light orange crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol; sparingly soluble in dichloromethane. It is sensitive to light, heat, and air, especially in solution. It should be stored in airtight containers under an inert gas. It must be protected from light. The contents of an opened container should be used as soon as possible, and any unused portion should be protected under an inert gas atmosphere.<\/p>\n

According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP 36), tretinoin is a light orange crystalline powder. It is insoluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol and chloroform. It should preferably be stored in airtight containers under an inert gas atmosphere. It must be protected from light.<\/p>\n

Tretinoin should be stored at room temperature below 25\u00b0C in tightly closed, airtight containers.<\/p>\n

Tretinoin (retinoic acid) is a natural derivative of vitamin A used orally or topically. Tretinoin is also known as all-trans-retinoic acid. It is structurally similar to isotretinoin, but more toxic. Topical tretinoin is used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne cases (e.g., grade I-III) and photodamaged skin. Topical tretinoin is beneficial in the treatment of verruca plana (flat warts) and symptomatic treatment of keratinization disorders such as ichthyosis and keratosis follicularis. Oral tretinoin is used as a chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (18, 19), and phase III studies in the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma are ongoing.<\/p>\n

When applied topically, tretinoin (retinoic acid) prevents horny cell cohesion and increases epidermal cell turnover and mitotic activity by causing irritation in the follicular epithelium. Due to this effect, in patients with acne, existing comedones are extruded and the formation of new ones is prevented through the desquamation and expulsion of horny cells from the follicle. Tretinoin reduces the number of cell layers in the stratum corneum from 14 to 5. It has no effect on Propionibacterium acnes or sebum production associated with acne. Another effect of tretinoin is the inhibition of keratinization, which explains its efficacy in the treatment of keratinization disorders.<\/p>\n

Topical tretinoin is effective in reducing wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, roughness, and laxity in mildly photodamaged skin. In patients with photodamaged skin, favorable effects associated with topical tretinoin therapy are often seen within the first month of treatment. Brown spots disappear within 6 to 8 weeks, while fine wrinkles and creases disappear within 3 to 6 months. Discontinuation of tretinoin therapy usually results in the loss of tretinoin’s effects. Tretinoin should not be used in breastfeeding mothers. The FDA pregnancy category for oral forms of tretinoin is D, and for topical forms, it is category C.<\/p>\n

Butylated hydroxytoluene- BHT- Butilhidroxitolueno- Butylhydroxitoluenum:<\/div>\n

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is an antioxidant food additive and is also found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, and embalming fluid.<\/p>\n

Propylene glycol- Methyl ethylene glycol- Glicol propilenico- Propylenglycol [ASK; Ph.Eur.]:<\/div>\n

Propylene glycol is a clear, colorless, odorless or practically odorless, hygroscopic liquid with a slightly characteristic taste. It is miscible with water, acetone, alcohol, and chloroform; soluble in ether; immiscible with fixed oils, but dissolves some essential oils. It should be stored in a cool place in airtight containers. It must be protected from light and moisture.<\/p>\n

Propylene glycol is an excipient used for various purposes in pharmaceutical preparations. It is particularly used as a solvent and vehicle for drugs that are unstable or insoluble in aqueous media. It is a better solvent than glycerin. It is an excellent solvent for corticosteroids, phenols, sulfonamides, barbiturates, vitamins A and D, alkaloids, and local anesthetics. In addition to its use as a stabilizer in vitamin preparations, it is also useful as a plasticizer and preservative. It is used as a carrier for emulsifying agents in cosmetics and the food industry. It is preferred over ethanol for carrying flavoring agents. Due to its humectant properties, it is used instead of glycerin in topical moisturizing preparations.<\/p>\n

Propylene glycol may cause local irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. It has been reported to cause hypersensitivity reactions. It may cause hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, and central nervous system depression, particularly in patients with renal failure. The estimated acceptable daily maximum intake of propylene glycol is reported as 25 mg per kg of body weight.<\/p>\n

At elevated temperatures, it tends to oxidize to give degradation products such as propionaldehyde, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and acetic acid. It is incompatible with oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate. It is recommended not to be used as a solvent in chloramphenicol-containing ear drops.<\/p>\n

Alcohol- Ethanol- Ethyl alcohol- Spiritus vini- Weingeist- Ethanolum- Alcoholum;<\/div>\n

Alcohol is a mixture of ethyl alcohol and water. In the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), alcohol is referred to as “Ethanol (96 per cent)” and is defined as containing not less than 96.0% and not more than 96.6% v\/v. It is a clear, colorless, mobile liquid with a characteristic odor and a burning taste; it is volatile and readily flammable, burning with a smokeless blue flame. It is miscible with water; upon mixing, the temperature of the mixture rises and the volume contracts. It is miscible with chloroform, ether, glycerol, and most other organic solvents. According to the BP, anhydrous ethanol (Ethanol, BP 1993; absolute alcohol; dehydrated alcohol) should contain not less than 99.4% v\/v or 99% w\/w of C2H5OH (density 788.16 to 791.2 kg\/m3). According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), dehydrated alcohol (Dehydrated Alcohol, USP 23) contains not less than 99.5% v\/v or 99.2% w\/w of C2H5OH (specific gravity should not exceed 0.7964 at 15.56\u00b0C). According to the BP, dilute ethanols (Dilute Ethanols, BP 1993) exist in several different concentrations. One of these is 90% ethanol, also known as “Rectified Spirit”. Dilute Ethanol is a mixture of ethyl alcohol and water. It should contain not less than 69.1% v\/v and not more than 71.0% v\/v, or not less than 61.5% w\/w and not more than 63.5% w\/w of C2H6O. The alcohol strength is expressed as percentage by weight at a specified temperature.<\/p>\n

While Ethyl Alcohol is effective at concentrations of 60-90%, a 70% concentration (vol\/vol) shows optimal efficacy for skin antisepsis. On the other hand, when the concentration falls below 50%, it loses its activity to a large extent. The English explanation seen on the hand sanitizer page regarding the effect of 70% alcohol is quite clear: “70% alcohol is the most antiseptic ratio and kills 99.9% of bacteria in one minute”.<\/p>\n

Preparation of the formula:<\/h3>\n

Tretinoin is dissolved in propylene glycol. Butylated hydroxytoluene, used as an antioxidant, is dissolved in 96% ethanol and added to the previous solution to complete the preparation.<\/p>\n

In general, concentrated alcohol should be used in the preparation of tretinoin solutions. Tretinoin solution is particularly prone to degradation by light and environmental factors. The addition of an antioxidant is essential. The preparation is effective in acne papulopustulosa and especially in acne comedonica.<\/p>\n

Tretinoin has a peeling effect that can cause erythema and mild inflammatory changes in the skin. In sensitive skin, propylene glycol, like tretinoin, can also cause sensitization. The preparation should be applied to the affected skin areas 1-2 times daily using a cotton pad. The duration of treatment is indefinite, and the preparation can be stored for 6 months protected from light and high temperatures.<\/p>\n

Wishing you a great week\u2026<\/p>\n

\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1- Dermatologische Rezepturen (Richtig verschreiben- individuell therapieren)<\/p>\n

2- RxMediaPharma\u00ae2016 Interactive Drug Information Source.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Specialist Pharmacist Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pekcan Pharmacy – Konya<\/p>\n

pekcanecz@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Tel: (332) 3520657<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.majistralformul.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tretinoin Solution in the Treatment of Chronic Acne Vulgaris Dear Colleagues; this week we will examine a formula from the German Standard Formulas used in the treatment of Chronic Acne […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1635,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"doc_category":[145],"doc_tag":[],"class_list":["post-9613","docs","type-docs","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","doc_category-acne-preparations"],"acf":[],"year_month":"2026-09","word_count":1314,"total_views":"3","reactions":{"happy":"0","normal":"0","sad":"0"},"author_info":{"name":"m921a","author_nicename":"m921a","author_url":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/author\/m921a\/"},"doc_category_info":[{"term_name":"Acne Preparations","term_url":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/dokuman-kategori\/acne-preparations\/"}],"doc_tag_info":[],"knowledge_base_info":[],"knowledge_base_slug":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/9613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/docs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9613"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/9613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9616,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/9613\/revisions\/9616"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"doc_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc_category?post=9613"},{"taxonomy":"doc_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc_tag?post=9613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}