Isotretinoin

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Accutane (historical), Roaccutane, Absorica, 13-cis-retinoic acid

Pharmacological Mechanism

13-cis isomer of retinoic acid. Reduces sebaceous-gland size + sebum production ~90%; induces keratinocyte differentiation; anti-inflammatory. Only agent that produces durable acne remission (single course cures many). Severe teratogenicity (FDA iPLEDGE mandatory contraception for females of reproductive potential).

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 20h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 0.667mg (Range: 0.5 - 1 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• reproductive
• integumentary
• immune-hematologic

Interactions

• Vitamin A
• Tretinoin (topical)