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Compare Renova vs. Tetracycline

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

Key takeaways

Renova (Tretinoin) and tetracycline (Sumycin) are both prescription medications, but they serve very different purposes. Renova is a topical cream used to lessen fine wrinkles on your face, while tetracycline is an oral antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as severe acne. Renova is a retinoic acid derivative that helps the skin renew itself, whereas tetracycline works by preventing bacteria from growing. Renova is applied once daily in the evening and can cause skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight. In contrast, tetracycline must be taken multiple times a day and can cause stomach side effects and teeth staining in young children. Both medications are not safe for use during pregnancy. While several forms of tretinoin are available as generics, Renova (which is 0.02% tretinoin) is only available as a brand name cream. Tetracycline is available as a generic.

  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Tetracycline
  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Tetracycline

  • Summary of Renova vs. Tetracycline

    Summary for Retinoic acid derivative
    Prescription only

    Renova is a topical retinoid that contains tretinoin 0.02% cream. Renova (tretinoin) can ease fine facial wrinkles, in addition to the regular use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. But it won't help get rid of deep wrinkles or hyperpigmentation from years of sun damage. Renova (tretinoin) is applied to the face once daily in the evening. This medication commonly causes skin irritation and peeling as side effects. Renova is a prescription medication that's brand name only and not available as a generic.

    Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat many types of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's also sometimes used to fight acne-causing bacteria. Tetracycline is available as a lower-cost generic capsule that's safe for adults and children over 8 years of age to take. The dosage is taken multiple times a day. Tetracycline can cause unpleasant stomach side effects. There's also a risk of teeth staining in young children whose teeth are still growing.

  • Indications of Renova vs. Tetracycline

    Indications for
    •Lessen the look of fine face wrinkles
    Indications for
    •Bacterial skin infections
    •Severe acne
    •Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
    •Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, syphilis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTI)
    •Rickettsial infections (usually from ticks, fleas, or mites), such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus fever
    •Other less common bacterial infections

  • Pros and Cons of Renova vs. Tetracycline

    Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivative
    Pros
    •Applied only once a day
    •Only need a small pearl-sized amount to have an effect
    •Can use with other cosmetics or skincare products (must wait at least 1 hour after applying Renova)
    Cons
    •Doesn't get rid of deep wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, reverse skin aging due to sun damage, or make skin younger
    •Can make you sunburn more easily
    •Not a good choice for females who want to become pregnant or are pregnant
    Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including acne
    •Good option for people with penicillin allergies
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Safe to use in children over the age of 8
    Cons
    •Need to take multiple times a day for most infections
    •Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
    •Interacts with certain antacids and dairy products, such as milk
    •Not safe for use in pregnancy or young children

  • Common Side Effects of Renova vs. Tetracycline

    Common Side Effects for

    Almost all people who used Renova in clinical studies reported one or more of the following:

    •Burning or stinging
    •Peeling
    •Redness
    •Dry skin
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach pain or discomfort
    •Loss of appetite
    •Skin rash

  • Warnings of Renova vs. Tetracycline

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Sunburns
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Color changes to teeth
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Sensitivity to sunlight
    •High pressure around the brain
    •Harm to unborn and young babies
    •Possible kidney and liver damage in people with kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Renova vs. Tetracycline

    Learn more about Renova
    Learn more about Tetracycline

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