Arazlo Drug Interactions: What to Avoid and What to Tell Your Doctor

Arazlo (tazarotene 0.045% lotion) is a topical medication with a relatively limited systemic absorption — but that doesn't mean it's interaction-free. There are several medications, skincare products, and ingredients that can interact with Arazlo in ways that reduce its effectiveness or increase your risk of side effects. Here's what to know before starting treatment.

The Most Important Interaction: Benzoyl Peroxide

The most clinically significant interaction with Arazlo is with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) — one of the most commonly used OTC and prescription acne treatments.

The problem: Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent. When applied to skin that also has tazarotene on it, BPO can degrade (break down) tazarotene, potentially reducing Arazlo's effectiveness.

What to do: If your dermatologist prescribes both, apply them at different times of day — for example, benzoyl peroxide in the morning and Arazlo in the evening. This separates the two products and preserves Arazlo's efficacy while allowing you to benefit from both treatments.

Other Retinoids: Don't Double Up

Combining Arazlo with other topical retinoids — such as tretinoin, adapalene, trifarotene, or retinol — is generally not recommended. Using two retinoids simultaneously provides no additional benefit and significantly increases the risk of irritation, redness, peeling, and photosensitivity.

• Tretinoin (Retin-A, Altreno): Do not use simultaneously; choose one retinoid at a time
• Adapalene (Differin): Avoid combining with Arazlo for the same reason
• OTC retinol products: Although weaker than prescription retinoids, combining retinol with Arazlo can increase skin irritation; discuss with your dermatologist

Photosensitizing Medications

Arazlo already increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). Several medications have the same effect. If you're taking any of the following, your sun sensitivity may be significantly amplified while using Arazlo:

• Tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) — commonly co-prescribed for acne; both doxycycline and Arazlo increase photosensitivity; diligent sunscreen use is essential
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) — increase UV sensitivity
• Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide) — may increase sun sensitivity
• Sulfonamides — photosensitizing antibiotics

If you take any photosensitizing medication, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every morning and reapply every two hours when outdoors. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds.

Skincare Products to Avoid While Using Arazlo

Several common skincare ingredients can increase irritation when used alongside Arazlo:

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) (glycolic acid, lactic acid) — exfoliating acids that can cause significant irritation and sensitivity when combined with Arazlo; if used, apply on different days or consult your dermatologist
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) (salicylic acid) — similarly exfoliating; may compound dryness and peeling from Arazlo
• Abrasive scrubs and physical exfoliants — when the skin is already turning over faster, scrubbing can cause microtears and significant irritation; avoid while using Arazlo
• High-alcohol toners and astringents — alcohol strips the skin's barrier, compounding the dryness side effect of Arazlo; switch to alcohol-free formulas
• Medicated cleansers with sulfur or resorcinol — may further dry and irritate skin; use a plain, fragrance-free cleanser instead

What Skincare Products Are SAFE to Use with Arazlo?

The following skincare products are generally compatible with Arazlo:

• Hyaluronic acid serums — hydrating and compatible; can be layered under or over Arazlo
• Non-comedogenic moisturizers — actively recommended; use a ceramide-based or glycerin moisturizer daily to counteract dryness
• Broad-spectrum mineral or chemical sunscreen (SPF 30+) — required while using Arazlo; apply every morning
• Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers — use before applying Arazlo; avoid harsh or abrasive formulas

Oral Contraceptives: No Pharmacokinetic Interaction

A clinical study in 27 female subjects evaluated whether tazarotene affected oral contraceptive pharmacokinetics. Oral tazarotene (1.1 mg) did not affect the blood levels of norethindrone or ethinyl estradiol when taken with a combination OC. The topical formulation in Arazlo has even lower systemic absorption than oral tazarotene, making a meaningful interaction with oral contraceptives very unlikely. However, oral contraceptives do not replace the requirement for effective contraception during Arazlo treatment — this refers to birth control as a precaution given Arazlo's potential teratogenicity.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting Arazlo

Tell your dermatologist or prescriber about:

• All prescription and OTC medications you take, including benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives
• Your complete skincare routine — especially any products containing AHAs, BHAs, other retinoids, or alcohol
• Any history of eczema, rosacea, or other skin conditions that may affect tolerability
• Whether you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

For more detail on Arazlo's side effects and what to do if they occur, read our guide on Arazlo side effects: what to expect and when to call your doctor.