Isotretinoin and its side-effects
Isotretinoin
is a generic name for the acne popular treatment
product Accutane®.
It is an oral drug used
for the treatment and prevention of severe acne – same
goes that it is not recommended as an acne removal
treatment for mild to moderate acne cases.
Isotretinoin is an acne alternative treatment
when the severe acne proves to be resistant to more
conservative acne skin products such as drying agents,
creams and topical or oral antibiotics.
Isotretinoin
is known to reduce acne by reducing the secretion
of sebum - If less sebum is secreted it is likely
that there will be less inflammation and keratinization.
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Otherwise the exact mechanism of action is not
fully known. Acne skin treatment using Isotretinoin requires
prescription. The medication is available in capsules in
preparations of 10, 20 & 40 mg. The recommended
daily dose is 0.5 to 2 mg per kg of body weight.
The daily dosage – taken with food, is administered in two divided doses
for 15 to 20 weeks.
These medication details are taken into important
consideration since improper use of Isotretinoin may result
to serious, side effects. The most common side effects
of Isotretinoin are inflammation of the whites of the eyes,
dry nose, nosebleeds (epistaxis), dryness and cracks in
the corners of the mouth (chilitis), dry skin, itching
and joint aches.
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Patients may also develop
an increase in blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Psychiatric problems such as depression,
hallucinations and - very rarely and not quite substantiated
- suicidal behavior have been reported.
Meanwhile, it is important to note that
Isotretinoin is closely related to vitamin A. Hence,
using both vitamin A and Isotretinoin simultaneously
may lead to vitamin A side effects.
A stronger warning is even given on taking
Isotretinoin and tetracycline at the same time since
the combination has been associated with brain swelling. |
Isotretinoin is proven to be harmful to the
fetus and therefore should not be used during pregnancy. As
a stern precaution, effective forms of birth control must
be used during therapy, and pregnancy should be avoided
until at least one month after stopping Isotretinoin.
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