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Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

Are Amzeeq and Retin-A the Same Thing?

Amzeeq (minocycline) and Retin-A (tretinoin) Cream and Gel are used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Amzeeq is used to treat inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.

Amzeeq and Retin-A belong to different drug classes. Amzeeq is a tetracycline antibiotic and Retin-A are retinoids, forms of vitamin A.

Side effects of Amzeeq and Retin-A that are similar include application site reactions (redness, dryness, skin discoloration, peeling, and itching).

Side effects of Amzeeq that are different from Retin-A include headache.

Side effects of Retin-A that are different from Amzeeq include swollen, blistered, or crusted skin; burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, or irritation where the medicine is applied.

Amzeeq may interact with anticoagulants and penicillin.

Retin-A may interact with other topical medications, especially those containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Amzeeq?

Common side effects of Amzeeq include:

  • headache, and
  • application site reactions, including:
    • redness,
    • dryness,
    • skin discoloration,
    • peeling, and
    • itching

    What Are Possible Side Effects of Retin-A?

    Common side effects of Retin-A include:

    • red, swollen, blistered, or crusted skin;
    • burning,
    • warmth,
    • stinging,
    • tingling,
    • itching,
    • dryness,
    • peeling, or irritation where the medicine is applied; or
    • changes in skin color (darker or lighter)

    What Is Amzeeq?

    Amzeeq (minocycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.

    What Is Retin-A?

    Retin-A (tretinoin) Cream and Gel is a form of Vitamin A used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

     

    What Drugs Interact With Amzeeq?

    Amzeeq may interact with other medicines such as:

    • anticoagulants, and
    • penicillin

    Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

    What Drugs Interact With Retin-A?

    Retin-A may interact with other topical medications, especially those containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

     

    How Should Amzeeq Be Taken?

    The dose of Amzeeq is a small amount of topical foam (e.g. a cherry-sized amount) rubbed into acne-affected parts of the face. Repeated as needed until all acne-affected parts of the face are treated. If acne is present on other parts of the body, apply additional amounts of topical foam to these areas. The topical foam should be applied at approximately the same time each day at least 1 hour before bedtime. Do not bathe, shower or swim for at least 1 hour after application of Amzeeq.

    How Should Retin-A Be Taken?

    Apply Retin-A to infected areas once a day. Use enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. Exposure to sunlight including sunlamps should be minimized while using Retin-A. If you have a sun burn you should avoid using Retin-A until you have completely recovered from the sun burn.