Isotretinoin
Instructions for use:
- 1. Release form and composition
- 2. Pharmacological properties
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Method of application and dosage
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Overdose
- 8. Special instructions
- 9. Application during pregnancy and lactation
- 10. Drug interactions
- 11. Analogs
- 12. Terms and conditions of storage
- 13. Conditions for dispensing pharmacies
- 14. Reviews
- 15. Price in pharmacies
Isotretinoin is a drug with anti-seborrheic action.
Release form and composition
Dosage form - capsules.
The active substance is a part of 1 capsule: isotretinoin - 2.5; five; 10 or 20 mg.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Isotretinoin is a biologically active form of vitamin A. It has antiseborrheic, anti-inflammatory and keratolytic effects. The drug stimulates the growth and further differentiation of epithelial cells, inhibits the final differentiation of sebocytes, as well as hyperproliferation of the sebaceous gland ducts. Normalizes the composition of the secretion of the sebaceous glands, thereby facilitating its excretion. As a result of treatment, the production of sebum is reduced and the inflammatory response around the sebaceous glands decreases. The drug inhibits the keratinization process and prevents the formation of acne caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
Pharmacokinetics
About 10% of isotretinoin after oral administration on an empty stomach is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum plasma concentration is reached in about 1-4 hours. The drug is 99.9% bound to plasma proteins.
The therapeutic effect develops after the start of admission. The drug is metabolized in the liver. T ½ (half-life) is 19 hours. It is excreted by the kidneys and feces.
Indications for use
The drug is prescribed for the treatment of severe acne (acne), which does not respond to other treatments.
Contraindications
- Hepatic and renal failure;
- Simultaneous reception with methotrexate;
- Pregnancy, childbearing age in women;
- Hypersensitivity to drug components.
Instructions for the use of Isotretinoin: method and dosage
The capsules are taken orally during meals.
The initial daily dose is 0.1 mg / kg. Depending on the tolerance and effectiveness of the drug, after about 4 weeks, the daily dose should be clarified (in the range of 0.1-1 mg / kg of body weight, but not more than 2 mg / kg). With a small daily dose, the drug can be taken once a day, with a large dose - in several doses.
The duration of therapy is up to 16 weeks. If necessary, after 2 months, repeated treatment courses are possible.
Side effects
Possible side effects are not described in the instructions.
Overdose
In case of an overdose, signs of hypervitaminosis A appear (headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, drowsiness, dizziness).
Symptomatic therapy is prescribed.
special instructions
Before you start taking the drug, as well as in cases of unusual symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
According to the instructions, Isotretinoin is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The drug belongs to risk category X (according to the FDA recommendation), as there is evidence of its teratogenic and embryotoxic effects.
Drug interactions
There are no data on interaction with other drugs.
Analogs
Analogs of Isotretinoin are: 13-cis-Retinoic acid, Verokutane, Retasol, Retinoic ointment 0.05 and 0.1%, Erase, Acnecutan, Retinoic ointment 0.01%, Roaccutane.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store in a dark, dry place out of reach of children.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Dispensed by prescription.
Reviews of Isotretinoin
Experts speak well of the drug and regularly prescribe drugs based on isotretinoin for acne of varying severity.
Patient reviews of Isotretinoin vary widely. Some patients talk about its effectiveness throughout the entire period of treatment, as well as the persistence of the effect after the end of therapy. Other patients had problems with dose selection at the beginning of treatment. Also, quite often there are reports of side effects of the drug (skin peeling, hair loss, headaches, insomnia, dry lips), which required discontinuation of treatment.
Price for Isotretinoin in pharmacies
The price of Isotretinoin in capsule form is unknown as it is currently not possible to buy it. You can use analogues of the drug with the same active substance, for example, Acnecutane or Roaccutane. The cost of analogs ranges from 1120-1350 rubles (Erase, Aknekutan) to 1790 rubles and above (Roaccutane).
Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author
Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
