Isotretinoin Pharmacology

Isotretinoin

About Isotretinoin
Vitamin A isomer, Retinoic Acid Derivative, Anti-acne.
Mechanism of Action of Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a 13-cis-retinoic acid and is used in the treatment of severe nodulocystic acne. Isotretinoin decreases sebocyte number and reduces sebum synthesis and therefore used in the treatment of acne.It reduces sebaceous gland size and inhibits sebaceous gland differentiation.
Isotretinoin reduces the production of sebum and shrinks the sebaceous glands. It stabilises keratinization and prevents comedones formation. It alters DNA transcription.
Pharmacokinets of Isotretinoin
Absorption: Isotretinoin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.Distribution: It is distributed in the body in highly protein bound form.Metabolism: Isotretinoin is metabolised to 4-oxo Isotretinoin and 4-oxo Tretinoin in the liver and in the gut wall.Excretion: Drug and its metabolites are excreted in the urine and bile.
Onset of Action for Isotretinoin
N/A
Duration of Action for Isotretinoin
N/A
Half Life of Isotretinoin
21 hours
Side Effects of Isotretinoin
1.Dryness of the skin nose, mouth and eyes
2.Epidermal fragility
3.Hyper pigmentation
4.Itching
5.Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
6.Chilitis
7.Blurred vision
8.Depression
9.Loss of appetite
10.Bloody diarrhea
11.Abdominal discomfort
12.Pain when swallowing
13.Heartburn
14.Yellowing of the skin or eyes or persistently dark urine
15.Severe headache
16.Dizziness
17.Seizures
18.Nausea
19.Vomiting
20.Joint or muscle pain or bone problems
21.Hearing problems
22.Depression
Contra-indications of Isotretinoin
1.Contraindicated to Isotretinoin
Special Precautions while taking Isotretinoin
1.Avoid exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light
2.Avoid concurrent administration of Vitamin A
3.Avoid driving at night
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated.
Old Age Related Information
N/A
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated.
Children Related Information
N/A
Indications for Isotretinoin
1.Severe recalcitrant nodular acne
2.Prevention of skin cancer
3.Keratinization disorders
4.Squqmous cell cancer of the head and neck
Interactions for Isotretinoin
Alcohol: Etretinate formed in presence of alcohol.
Antibacterials: Possible increased risk of benign intracranial hypertension with tetracyclines.
Warfarin: Possible reduction in anticoagulant effect.
Antiepileptics: Plasma concentration of carbamazepine may be reduced.
Cytotoxic drugs: Plasma concentration of methotrexate may be increased.
Oestrogens and progestogens: Contraceptive efficacy of low dose progestogens may be reduced but no effect on combined oral contracetives.
Vitamins: Risk of hypervitaminosis with vitamin A.
Typical Dosage for Isotretinoin
Oral
Adult: 0.5-1 mg/kg body weight/day in 2 divided doses with meals for 4-5 months
Schedule of Isotretinoin
N/A
Storage Requirements for Isotretinoin
Store at room temperature (15 - 30 degree C). Protect from light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Isotretinoin
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Isotretinoin
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment

Home Delivery for Isotretinoin in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including isotretinoin.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for isotretinoin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for isotretinoin may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take isotretinoin only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for isotretinoin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for isotretinoin with the pharmacy.

Isotretinoin is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for isotretinoin might be better known than isotretinoin itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have isotretinoin in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for isotretinoin.