Minoxidil/tretinoin topical Disease Interactions

Topical retinoids may cause severe irritation on eczematous skin. Therapy with topical retinoids should be avoided on abraded or eczematous skin.

In general, topically applied minoxidil is poorly absorbed from the normal, intact scalp. However, alteration in scalp epidermal integrity (e.g., abrasion, sunburn, psoriasis) can increase percutaneous absorption with resultant systemic effects, including sodium and water retention, local or generalized edema, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, tamponade, tachycardia, and worsening or development of angina. Therapy with minoxidil should be avoided in patients with diminished or altered scalp integrity that may lead to enhanced systemic absorption, particularly in the presence of underlying cardiovascular dysfunction or fluid retention.

Retinoid-like products can cause extreme irritation when applied to sunburned skin. Patients with sunburn should be cautioned not to use retinoid-like acne products until fully recovered, and to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) and use sunscreen/protective clothing during treatment with these products.