Drug interactions
Methyl aminolevulinate + Tretinoin
Severity: Moderate
Methyl aminolevulinate and Tretinoin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Methyl aminolevulinate is used with lamp illumination for photodynamic therapy, and tretinoin may further sensitize the skin to light. The combination may increase local irritation, erythema and phototoxic reactions.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methyl aminolevulinate and Tretinoin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive photosensitization and local skin irritation.
What to do
Stop topical tretinoin on the treatment area before photodynamic therapy as the prescriber advises. Ensure sun protection after treatment and monitor for severe local reactions.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Tretinoin
- Doxycycline + Tretinoin Major
- Minocycline + Tretinoin Major
- Omadacycline + Tretinoin Major
- Palovarotene + Tretinoin Major
- Sarecycline + Tretinoin Major
- Tetracycline + Tretinoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methyl aminolevulinate with Tretinoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methyl aminolevulinate and Tretinoin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Methyl aminolevulinate is used with lamp illumination for photodynamic therapy, and tretinoin may further sensitize the skin to light. The combination may increase local irritation, erythema and phototoxic reactions.
How serious is the interaction between Methyl aminolevulinate and Tretinoin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Stop topical tretinoin on the treatment area before photodynamic therapy as the prescriber advises. Ensure sun protection after treatment and monitor for severe local reactions.
What other medicines interact with Tretinoin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tretinoin with, for example, Doxycycline, Minocycline, Omadacycline. The full list is on the Tretinoin page.
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