Isotretinoin(13-cis-Retinoic acid) is a medication used for the treatment of severe acne. It was first developed to be used as a chemotherapy medication for the treatment of brain cancer, pancreatic cancer and more.
Target: RAR/RXR
Isotretinoin has been the most effective and long-lasting drug for the treatment of severe acne for more than 30 years and can achieve long-term remission in 70-80% of patients after a single course. The new evidence-based European S3-guideline recommends the use of Isotretinoin as a first-line medication for the treatment of severe papulopustular or conglobate acne, especially when prognostically unfavorable factors are present: family history of acne, early onset, marked seborrhea, localization on the trunk, scarring, psychosocial disability or persistent/late-type acne [1]. Five patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris were treated with isotretinoin from September 1982 through 1985. Isotretinoin at an average dose of 1.16 mg/kg/day for 16 to 24 weeks caused complete or almost complete clearing in four of the five patients [2]. isotretinoin produces significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of monocyte and neutrophil chemotaxis across intact biologic barriers in vivo [3]. Isotretinoin 5 mg/day is effective in reducing the number of acne lesions, and improving patients dermatologic quality of life, with minimal adverse effects [4].
Clinical indications: Acne
Toxicity: Isotretinoin is teratogenic. It also causes mucocutaneous side effects suck as cheilitis, dry skin, and dry eyes.