Isotretinoin: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Isotretinoin Benefits & Uses

Isotretinoin is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Pimples (Read More - How to get rid of acne or pimples)

Isotretinoin Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Pimples (Acne) Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 0.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: 5 months Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Pimples (Acne) Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 0.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: 5 months Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Pimples (Acne) Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 0.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: 5 months Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Isotretinoin Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Isotretinoin is used -

Moderate

Hypercholesterolaemia
Increased Liver Enzymes

Mild

Back Pain
Muscle Ache (Read More - Home Remedies for Muscle Aches)
Musculoskeletal Pain (Bone, Muscle or Joint)

Isotretinoin Related Warnings

Is the use of Isotretinoin safe for pregnant women?

Isotretinoin shows severe side effect on pregnant women. For this reason, pregnant women should only take it after taking medical advice.

Severe
Is the use of Isotretinoin safe during breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you may experience some harmful effects of Isotretinoin. In case you experience any of these, discontinue its use until you consult your doctor.

Moderate
What is the effect of Isotretinoin on the Kidneys?

Isotretinoin has very mild side effects on the kidneys.

Mild
What is the effect of Isotretinoin on the Liver?

The liver can be affected by Isotretinoin. If you experience any unwanted effects of this drug, stop taking it and consult your doctor. You should restart Isotretinoin only after medical advice.

Moderate
What is the effect of Isotretinoin on the Heart?

There may be an adverse effect on the heart after taking Isotretinoin. If you observe any side effects on your body then stop taking this drug. Restart this medicine only if your doctor advises you to do so.

Moderate

Severe Interaction of Isotretinoin with Other Drugs

Isotretinoin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Vitamin A

Tetracycline

Minocycline

Moderate

Adapalene

Alcohol

Cholestyramine

Isotretinoin Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Isotretinoin unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Allergy
Hearing Loss
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Depression
Liver Disease
Diabetes
Osteoporosis

Frequently asked Questions about Isotretinoin

Is this Isotretinoin habit forming or addictive?

Isotretinoin is not addictive in nature.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

Isotretinoin will not make you feel sleepy or drowsy. So you drive or operate machinery safely.

Safe
Is it safe?

Yes, Isotretinoin is safe but you must consult your doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Isotretinoin cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.

No

Isotretinoin Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin may take longer to act if you eat some foods while taking it. Follow your doctor's advice on this.

Mild
Interaction between Alcohol and Isotretinoin

Taking [medicine] and alcohol at the same time may lead to mild side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you observe any side effects.

Mild

Frequently asked Questions about Isotretinoin

Question about 4 years ago

Can I take aspirin with Isotretinoin?

Dr. Mayank Yadav MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Isotretinoin can be taken after aspirin. No harmful drug interaction has been reported between them. However, if you feel any unpleasant effects then consult your doctor and follow his/her instructions.

Question about 5 years ago

Can I discontinue Isotretinoin on my own without doctors advice?

Dr. Chinmaya Bal MBBS , General Physician

No, Isotretinoin should not be discontinued without doctors advice. You are recommended to always consult a doctor before discontinuing this medicine.

Question about 5 years ago

How long can I safely take Isotretinoin?

Dr. Om Shah MBBS , General Physician

Take Isotretinoin as advised by your doctor. Usually, it is taken for a duration of 15 to 20 weeks. Do not take the drug longer than prescribed. This drug comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. This drug should not be taken or applied by pregnant ladies at any cost. This drug can prove very fatal for the unborn fetus.

Question almost 5 years ago

Does Isotretinoin cause hair loss?

Dr. Gaurav MBBS , General Physician

Yes, oral Isotretinoin might cause hair loss due to temporary thinning of hair but it occurs very rarely. However, if you notice excessive hair loss then consult it with your doctor and follow his/her instructions.

Question about 5 years ago

Can I take Isotretinoin without consulting a doctor?

Dr. Saikat Mukherjee MBBS , General Physician

No, Isotretinoin is a prescription drug, hence do not take Isotretinoin without consulting doctor. This drug is specifically very harmful for patients and pregnant women or women planning pregnancy should not take it.