Drug interactions
Sulfamethoxazole + Tretinoin
Severity: Moderate
Sulfamethoxazole 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
Sulfamethoxazole can cause photosensitivity, and tretinoin makes skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet damage. Combined use may increase the likelihood of exaggerated sunburn or phototoxic reactions.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sulfamethoxazole 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 photosensitizing effects of a retinoid and a sulfonamide.
What to do
Counsel on strict sun avoidance and broad-spectrum sunscreen during co-treatment. Consider withholding topical tretinoin on days of heavy sun exposure or if phototoxicity develops.
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 Sulfamethoxazole with Tretinoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Sulfamethoxazole 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. Sulfamethoxazole can cause photosensitivity, and tretinoin makes skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet damage. Combined use may increase the likelihood of exaggerated sunburn or phototoxic reactions.
How serious is the interaction between Sulfamethoxazole 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: Counsel on strict sun avoidance and broad-spectrum sunscreen during co-treatment. Consider withholding topical tretinoin on days of heavy sun exposure or if phototoxicity develops.
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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