MICRODERM
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for MICRODERM (MICRODERM).
MICRODERM is a brand name for tretinoin, a retinoid that binds to retinoic acid receptors (RARα, RARβ, RARγ) and retinoid X receptors (RXR), modulating gene transcription to promote keratinocyte differentiation, reduce proliferation, and normalize desquamation, thereby decreasing comedone formation and inflammation.
| Metabolism | Tretinoin undergoes hepatic metabolism via cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, primarily CYP2C8 and CYP2C9, to metabolites such as 4-hydroxyretinoic acid and 4-oxoretinoic acid, which are further conjugated and excreted in bile and urine. |
| Excretion | Renal excretion accounts for 70% as unchanged drug, biliary/fecal elimination 20%, hepatic metabolism 10%. |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is 12 hours (range 10-15 h); requires dose adjustment in renal impairment when CrCl <30 mL/min. |
| Protein binding | 85-90% bound to albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.35-0.45 L/kg; distributes primarily into extracellular fluid, with limited CNS penetration. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: 75% (first-pass metabolism 25%); topical: 10-15% (varies with formulation). |
| Onset of Action | Oral: 1-2 hours; intravenous: within 5 minutes; topical: 2-4 hours. |
| Duration of Action | Approximately 12-24 hours; extended-release formulations provide up to 24 hours of therapeutic effect. |
| Molecular Weight | 180.16 |
MICRODERM is not a recognized pharmaceutical agent; no standard dosing information available.
| Dosage form | SPONGE |
| Renal impairment | No renally adjusted dosing guidelines exist for MICRODERM. |
| Liver impairment | No hepatically adjusted dosing guidelines exist for MICRODERM. |
| Pediatric use | No pediatric dosing guidelines exist for MICRODERM. |
| Geriatric use | No geriatric-specific dosing recommendations exist for MICRODERM. |
| 1st trimester | Contraindicated due to teratogenicity; high risk of congenital malformations. |
| 2nd trimester | Contraindicated due to risk of fetal toxicity and premature closure of ductus arteriosus. |
| 3rd trimester | Contraindicated due to risk of fetal hemorrhage, premature closure of ductus arteriosus, and inhibition of labor. |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for MICRODERM (MICRODERM).
| Placental transfer | Crosses placenta extensively; accumulates in fetal tissues. |
| Breastfeeding | Excreted into breast milk; may cause kernicterus in neonates. Breastfeeding is contraindicated. |
| Lactation Rating |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No black box warnings.
| Serious Effects |
History of hypersensitivity to MICRODERM or any componentActive peptic ulcer diseaseSevere renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)Third trimester of pregnancyBreastfeedingConcomitant use with anticoagulants
| Precautions | Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen; may increase photosensitivity, May cause initial acne flare (transient worsening), Do not apply to eczematous or sunburned skin, Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes, Pregnancy category C; should not be used in pregnant women or those planning pregnancy due to potential teratogenicity, Use caution with concurrent topical products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or other irritants |
| Food/Dietary | No known food interactions with topical MICRODERM. Avoid excessive alcohol or spicy foods if they exacerbate facial flushing or irritation. |
Loading safety data…
| L5 - Contraindicated |
| Teratogenic Risk | MICRODERM contains tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid), a retinoid. Topical tretinoin has low systemic absorption (<2%), but case reports suggest possible fetal abnormalities if used during pregnancy. FDA Pregnancy Category C. First trimester: Risk of retinoid embryopathy (CNS, cardiovascular, craniofacial defects) with systemic exposure; topical use considered low risk but not recommended. Second and third trimesters: Limited data, but avoid use due to potential risk. |
| Fetal Monitoring | No specific monitoring required for topical use. If large areas treated, consider periodic liver function tests due to theoretical risk. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility with topical tretinoin. No human data suggesting impairment. |
| Clinical Pearls | MICRODERM (topical microsphere retinoid) is photosensitizing; apply at bedtime and use sunscreen daily. Avoid concurrent use of other topical keratolytics to prevent excessive irritation. Initiate with lower concentration and titrate up to minimize retinoid dermatitis. |
| Patient Advice | Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin once daily at night. · Use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every morning and avoid prolonged sun exposure. · Expect mild redness, peeling, and dryness initially; moisturizer may help. · Avoid waxing, depilatories, or dermabrasion while using this product. · If pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, avoid use. |