Isotretinoin

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Molecule Description

Isotretinoin is a medicine derived from Vitamin A and is primarily used to treat severe acne that does not respond to other treatments. It works by reducing the amount of oil produced by the skin, preventing clogged pores, and decreasing inflammation. Isotretinoin should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor, as it can have serious side effects, including dry skin, sensitivity to sunlight, and, in rare cases, an impact on the liver and mental health. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential during treatment.

Uses

In treating severe acne (specifically nodular acne)
It is also used in the treatment of cancer of skin

Contraindications

When should one not use Isotretinoin

You are pregnant or planning pregnancy or breastfeeding or a women of childbearing age and not using contraception
You are allergic to Isotretinoin
Children less than 12 years
If you have liver disease
If you have very high levels of lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) in your blood
If you have increased levels of Vitamin A in your body (hypervitaminosis A)
If you are taking tetracyclines (a type of antibiotic medicine)

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Chapped lips, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes, mouth or skin
Dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds, headache and temporary worsening of acne
Severe allergic reactions
Kidney problems
Jaundice
Abnormal hair growth
Bleeding, redness or swelling of the gums
Hearing problems or ringing in the ears and vision issues
Severe psychological disturbances including suicidal tendencies
Stomach and pancreas problems
Growth problems in children

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Do not use if you are pregnant. This medicine is known to cause severe birth defects in the fetus. Hence, it is strictly avoided in a sexually active woman unless foolproof contraception methods are followed.

Breast Feeding

You must not take Isotretinoin if you are breastfeeding. The medicine is likely to pass into breast milk and may harm your baby.

Driving

Always be cautious when driving at night because this medicine may affect your night vision. It can also cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Alcohol

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Isotretinoin. It can cause elevated heartbeats, nausea and vomiting.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

If you are a woman of childbearing age, strictly use contraception, this medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby
Do not plan pregnancy immediately after stopping this medicine as some amount of medicine continues to stay in the body even after finishing the treatment
While taking this medicine, if you experience depression or aggressive tendencies or mood changes or thoughts about hurting yourself or ending your life; immediately inform your doctor
This medicine can increase the liver enzymes or blood cholesterol
This medicine causes extreme dryness of skin. Use moisturizer
Your skin may become sensitive to sunlight, avoid excessive sun exposure
If you experienced headache, vomiting stop the medication immediately and seek emergency medical care. It can be serious

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Isotretinoin decreases the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin and helps your skin renew itself more quickly. Isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne which is not responding to other treatments, including antibiotics.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Medicine like Tetracycline have additive effects
Effect of progesterone-only contraceptive pills might be reduced
Any other form of Vitamin A should be avoided along with this medicine and can cause overdose problems
Anti convulsion medications may decrease the effect of Isotretinoin

Interactions with food items

It is advisable to take along with food as it increases heartburn if taken on an empty stomach. Avoid oily and junk food for the overall effect.

Dietary Restrictions

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Isotretinoin, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms may include facial flushing, headache, dizziness, loss of balance, stomach pain and vomiting. Immediately seek for emergency medical help.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dosage, then skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. This medicine should only be taken with a prescription. Continuation of treatment requires a new prescription.

Immediately stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor about your pregnancy. This medicine can seriously harm the unborn baby. The decision to continue or discontinue the pregnancy should be taken in consultation with your doctor as there are high chances of having a baby with defects.

Isotretinoin is a prescription medicine used to treat severe acne that has not improved with other treatments like antibiotics or topical creams. It helps reduce the production of oil in the skin, unclogs pores, and decreases inflammation, which can prevent scarring and improve skin appearance.

Isotretinoin works by shrinking the oil glands in the skin, reducing the amount of oil produced. It also helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and reduces inflammation, which together help to stop acne formation and allow existing acne to heal.

Common side effects include dry skin, dry lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, mild joint or muscle pain, and sensitivity to sunlight. Rare but serious side effects include liver problems, high cholesterol, mood changes, and severe allergic reactions. Most side effects are reversible once the treatment is stopped.

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