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Compare Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amzeeq (minocycline) and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both topical treatments for acne, but they belong to different medication classes and work in distinct ways. Amzeeq is a tetracycline antibiotic that helps reduce redness and swelling, while Retin-A is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A, that replaces old skin cells with new ones and unclogs pores. Amzeeq is available only as a brand-name foam and is also used to treat rosacea, whereas Retin-A is available in both cream and gel forms and has a lower-cost generic option. You apply Amzeeq once daily, typically before bedtime, and it is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. Retin-A is also applied once daily, but it can cause more initial skin irritation, such as redness, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. While both medications require a prescription, Amzeeq is safe for children as young as 9, whereas Retin-A is approved for use in individuals 12 years and older.

  • Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

    Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Amzeeq is a topical foam containing minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic. It's used to treat pimples in people ages 9 years and older who have moderate-to-severe non-nodular acne. You'll apply Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) to the affected area(s) once daily, ideally at least an hour before bedtime. Wash your hands afterwards because the medication can stain clothes and fabrics. Common side effects you might notice include mild redness or warmth at the application site. In some cases, you could also experience darkening of the skin in the treated area.

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

    Indications for
    •Treatment of moderate-to-severe non-nodular acne
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

    Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Pros
    •Applied once a day
    •Option for children ages 9 years and older
    •Generally well-tolerated with no serious side effects
    Cons
    •Can't bathe, shower, or swim for at least 1 hour after application
    •Might cause penicillin antibiotics to not work as well
    •Can stain clothing, bedsheets
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin redness (up to 14%)
    •Darkening of skin around application site (up to 12%)
    •Dry skin (up to 7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of fire
    •Drug-resistant bacteria
    •Risk of new infections
    •Risk of sunburns or skin-related side effects
    •Risk of harm to bones in children
    •Rare risk of other side effects related to oral minocycline
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Amzeeq vs. Retin-A

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