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

Tazorac (tazarotene) is applied topically to the skin, which means most of the medication stays local rather than entering the bloodstream. However, drug interactions — including with other topical medications, oral prescriptions, and skincare products — still matter for managing side effects and achieving the best outcomes.

Here's everything you need to know about what to avoid — and what to tell your healthcare provider — before starting tazarotene.

Interaction #1: Photosensitizing Medications (Most Important)

The most clinically significant drug interactions with tazarotene involve other medications that increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation (photosensitizers). Using these alongside tazarotene multiplies the risk of severe sunburn, skin damage, and photosensitivity reactions.

Common photosensitizing medications to be aware of:

Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone) — commonly prescribed for blood pressure; significant photosensitizing effect

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) — photosensitizing; use with caution during tazarotene treatment

Phenothiazines (prochlorperazine, promethazine) — antipsychotics/antiemetics with photosensitizing properties

Tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) — often prescribed for acne alongside retinoids; both can increase UV sensitivity; use high SPF diligently

Sulfonamides, sulfonylureas — antibiotics and diabetes medications with photosensitizing potential

If you're taking any photosensitizing medication, it doesn't necessarily mean you cannot use tazarotene — but your provider needs to know so you can be counseled on strict sun avoidance and high-SPF sunscreen use.

Interaction #2: Other Topical Retinoids

Using tazarotene simultaneously with another topical retinoid (tretinoin, adapalene, retinol serums, prescription retinoid combinations) is considered therapeutic duplication and significantly increases skin irritation, dryness, peeling, and redness without additional therapeutic benefit.

This includes OTC retinol and retinaldehyde products found in many anti-aging serums and moisturizers. Check ingredient labels of any skincare products you're using and discontinue retinol-containing products while using tazarotene.

Interaction #3: Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a common topical acne treatment that can degrade and inactivate tazarotene when applied at the same time. If your doctor has prescribed both:

Apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and tazarotene at night to avoid them interacting on the skin

Never apply them on top of each other

Interaction #4: Alcohol-Based and Abrasive Skincare Products

Skincare products containing high amounts of alcohol, strong astringents, abrasive exfoliants (physical scrubs), or chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic acid, BHAs like salicylic acid) add to the irritation caused by tazarotene.

While on tazarotene:

Use a gentle, non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser

Avoid toners containing witch hazel, salicylic acid, or high alcohol concentrations

Pause physical exfoliation (scrubs, Clarisonic devices) while adjusting to tazarotene

Limit or avoid AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) while on tazarotene

Interaction #5: Oral Contraceptives

A clinical study involving 27 women found that tazarotene administered orally at 1.1 mg did not affect the pharmacokinetics of a combination oral contraceptive containing 1 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol. However, because tazarotene is a known teratogen, effective contraception is required during topical tazarotene treatment, and women should use contraception regardless of any theoretical interaction.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting Tazarotene

Before your provider prescribes tazarotene, share your complete medication and supplement list. Specifically mention:

All prescription medications (especially antibiotics, diuretics, antipsychotics, diabetes medications)

OTC skincare products, especially anything containing retinol, vitamin A, AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide

Whether you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant

Any history of skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or extreme sun sensitivity

For a complete overview of Tazorac side effects and how to manage them, see Tazorac Side Effects: What to Expect. For full prescribing and usage information, see What Is Tazorac? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.