NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Tretinoin Oral

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Oral tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid, ATRA) is a retinoid that induces differentiation of immature promyelocytes into mature granulocytes. It is the cornerstone of treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and has revolutionized outcomes for this subtype of leukemia, transforming it from one of the most fatal to the most curable form of acute leukemia when combined with arsenic trioxide. It is not commonly used for dermatologic conditions (topical tretinoin is used for acne and photoaging instead).

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2019–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Oral tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid, ATRA) is a retinoid that induces differentiation of immature promyelocytes into mature granulocytes. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 45 mg/m²/day divided into two equal doses until complete remission or 90 days (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Induces complete remission in APL (up to 90% when combined with arsenic trioxide)
  • Targeted differentiation therapy, transforms cancer cells into normal cells2,5
  • Transformed APL from fatal to highly curable disease
  • Synergistic with arsenic trioxide for cure without traditional chemotherapy6,10
What to watch for
  • Differentiation syndrome (formerly retinoic acid syndrome), dyspnea, fever, weight gain, pulmonary infiltrates (potentially fatal)
  • Headache and pseudotumor cerebri
  • Dry skin and mucous membranes
  • Pregnancy (category D, teratogenic)5
  • Known hypersensitivity to tretinoin or retinoids1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: induces complete remission in apl (up to 90% when combined with arsenic trioxide), targeted differentiation therapy, transforms cancer cells into normal cells, transformed apl from fatal to highly curable disease. 10 sources indexed (2019–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Binds to retinoic acid receptors (RAR-alpha) in the nucleus, restoring normal gene transcription in promyelocytic leukemia cells. In APL, the PML-RARA fusion protein blocks myeloid differentiation; oral tretinoin degrades this fusion protein, releasing the differentiation block and allowing leukemic promyelocytes to mature into functional granulocytes. This is a targeted differentiation therapy rather than cytotoxic chemotherapy.4,7

Class
Retinoid / Dermatologic-Oncologic
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
45 mg/m²/day divided into two equal doses until complete remission or 90 days (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral capsule

Fat-soluble; take with food to enhance absorption. Peak plasma levels in 1-2 hours. Subject to autoinduction of metabolism with continuous use.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Differentiation syndrome (formerly retinoic acid syndrome), dyspnea, fever, weight gain, pulmonary infiltrates (potentially fatal)
  • Headache and pseudotumor cerebri
  • Dry skin and mucous membranes
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Hypertriglyceridemia
  • Bone pain
  • Leukocytosis

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy (category D, teratogenic)5
  • Known hypersensitivity to tretinoin or retinoids1,2
  • Concurrent high-dose vitamin A supplementation
  • Hepatic impairment (use with caution)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Tretinoin Oral, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Tretinoin Oral?

Oral tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid, ATRA) is a retinoid that induces differentiation of immature promyelocytes into mature granulocytes. It is the cornerstone of treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and has revolutionized outcomes for this subtype of leukemia, transforming it from one of the most fatal to the most curable form of acute leukemia when combined with arsenic trioxide. It is not commonly used for dermatologic conditions (topical tretinoin is used for acne and photoaging instead).

What is Tretinoin Oral used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Tretinoin Oral include: Induces complete remission in APL (up to 90% when combined with arsenic trioxide); Targeted differentiation therapy, transforms cancer cells into normal cells; Transformed APL from fatal to highly curable disease; Synergistic with arsenic trioxide for cure without traditional chemotherapy. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Tretinoin Oral?

A typical adult dose of Tretinoin Oral is 45 mg/m²/day divided into two equal doses until complete remission or 90 days (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral capsule. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Tretinoin Oral?

Reported side effects include differentiation syndrome (formerly retinoic acid syndrome), dyspnea, fever, weight gain, pulmonary infiltrates (potentially fatal), headache and pseudotumor cerebri, dry skin and mucous membranes, elevated liver enzymes, hypertriglyceridemia, bone pain. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Tretinoin Oral?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Tretinoin Oral in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

Download on the App Store → Read the methodology

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.