Isotretinoin is a medication primarily used to treat severe acne, and it is also used to prevent certain skin cancers and in the treatment of other cancers. It is a retinoid, meaning it is related to vitamin A, and is found in small quantities naturally in the body. Isotretinoin is available as Accutane in 10-mg, 20-mg, and 40-mg soft gelatin capsules for oral administration. The capsules contain beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil. Gelatin capsules contain glycerin and parabens (methyl and propyl), with various dye systems. The black imprinting ink of the 10 mg and 20 mg capsules contains ammonium hydroxide, iron oxide black, propylene glycol, and shellac. Isotretinoin is primarily (99.9%) bound to plasma proteins, mostly albumin. Three metabolites of isotretinoin are detectable in human plasma after oral administration: 4-oxo-isotretinoin, retinoid acid (tretinoin), and 4-oxo-retinoic acid (4-oxo-tretinoin) . Isotretinoin also oxidizes, irreversibly, to 4-oxo-isotretinoin, which forms its geometric isomer 4-oxo-tretinoin.
Positive effects:
- Isotretinoin is effective in treating severe acne.
Negative effects:
- Isotretinoin is teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects, and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
- Isotretinoin can cause other serious side effects, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and liver damage.
- Isotretinoin can cause dryness of the skin, lips, and eyes, as well as joint pain and muscle pain.
Ingredients or materials:
- Isotretinoin capsules contain beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil.
- Gelatin capsules contain glycerin and parabens (methyl and propyl), with various dye systems.
- The black imprinting ink of the 10 mg and 20 mg capsules contains ammonium hydroxide, iron oxide black, propylene glycol, and shellac.
