Tretinoin is a small-molecule retinoid with the molecular formula C20H28O2 and a molecular weight of about 300.44, recorded in the ChEMBL database as an approved drug whose first approval year is 1971. Its nonproprietary name carries the stem -retin-, which ChEMBL defines as retinol derivatives, and ChEMBL flags both oral and topical use and a boxed warning. The WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical index files it twice: as D10AD01 among the retinoids for topical use in acne, and as L01XF01 among the retinoids for cancer treatment. ChEMBL lists its approved indications as acne vulgaris, neoplasms, acute promyelocytic leukemia, melanosis and hyperpigmentation. This entry records classification and approval facts only and is not medical advice.
Facts
Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassL: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents 2 Route of Administration WHO Essential Medicine First Approved / Isolated Year Connections
Treats
Source ChEMBL, EMBL-EBI: Tretinoin approved indications (ChEMBL)
Sources
1. Tretinoin (ChEMBL molecule record)
ChEMBL molecule record, first_approval
"first_approval": 1971
ChEMBL molecule record, max_phase 4
"max_phase": "4.0"
ChEMBL molecule record, oral flag
"oral": true
View the Source2. ChEMBL, EMBL-EBI: ChEMBL molecule record CHEMBL38 (Tretinoin)
ChEMBL, EMBL-EBIatc_classifications of the molecule record; ATC class derived from cited code D10AD51 (main group D)
"atc_classifications": [ "D10AD51", "L01XF01", "D10AD01" ], "molecule_chembl_id": "CHEMBL38", "pref_name": "TRETINOIN"
atc_classifications of the molecule record; ATC class derived from cited code L01XF01 (main group L)
"atc_classifications": [ "D10AD51", "L01XF01", "D10AD01" ], "molecule_chembl_id": "CHEMBL38", "pref_name": "TRETINOIN"
View the Source 3. World Health Organization: The selection and use of essential medicines, 2025: WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 24th list
World Health OrganizationSection 8.2.2, page 38Quote, Section 8.2.2, page 38
all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA)
View the Source ChEMBL, EMBL-EBI: Tretinoin approved indications (ChEMBL)
ChEMBL, EMBL-EBITreats: Acne, drug_indication record, maximum phase 4, MeSH heading Acne VulgarisQuote, Treats: Acne, drug_indication record, maximum phase 4, MeSH heading Acne Vulgaris
"max_phase_for_ind": "4.0", "mesh_heading": "Acne Vulgaris", "molecule_chembl_id": "CHEMBL38"
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