Does topical retinoid gets absorbed into the bloodstream? I developed tinnitus after using sotret 20 mg does topical application gets absorbed into the bloodstream?

Question

Dear User, yes it does. There is a proper dosage and duration for which it has to be taken. If exceeded, it can cause various side effects which are dangerous. What was the duration you were prescribed for and how long did you use it?

Sharyl Eapen George · Accepted Answer

Dear User, yes it does. There is a proper dosage and duration for which it has to be taken. If exceeded, it can cause various side effects which are dangerous. What was the duration you were prescribed for and how long did you use it?

Vilas Misra · Answer

Dear lybrate-user, to the best of my knowlege topical medication has no role in entering the blood steam. You have not given a proper history at all like are you hard of hearing, is there any vertigo do you have pain in the ear. You need a thorogh audio vestibular including a cochlear evaluation accordingly. Feel free to contact me on my site. Yours respectfuly.

Kalyan Chakravarthy · Answer

Dear Mr. lybrate-user, studies show that local skin toxicity happens much before the topical retinoids' absorption into blood stream and even if it is absorbed, it is in negligible and clinically insignificant levels. Oral retinoids are however in much higher dosage and very rarely (<1 in 10000) have been known to cause reversible tinnitus and hearing loss. (so if the medication is stopped the tinnitus goes away and hearing improves). I would however suggest that you consult an ent surgeon to rule out any other cause for your tinnitus. Best wishes.