Isotretinoin: Improving Patient Education and Reducing Risk

Isotretinoin: Improving Patient Education and Reducing Risk

from Pediatric Pharmacotherapy

Therapeutic Use

Isotretinoin, 13-cis-retinoic acid, acts by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and keratinization. While the exact mechanism remains unknown, isotretinoin appears to cause improvement in patients with nodular acne by reducing sebum secretion. Isotretinoin is currently approved by the FDA for the management of patients with severe recalcitrant nodular acne. The recommended starting dose of isotretinoin is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 2 mg/kg/day. Treatment is typically continued for a period of 15 to 20 weeks. Patients who fail to respond may be given a second treatment course 8 weeks after completion of the first course.[2]

This is a part of article Isotretinoin: Improving Patient Education and Reducing Risk Taken from "Acne Isotretinoin Accutane" Information Blog