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Accutane - For Acne Treatment

isotretinoin (oral)(eye so TREH tih noyn)

Accutane, a chemical cousin of vitamin A, is prescribed for the treatment of severe. Isotretinoin (trade name: Accutane) is a powerful drug used in the treatment of acne. Four to five months of isotretinoin treatment usually leads to clearing of acne for one year or more after the medicine is stopped. Most other acne-controlling medicines are antibacterial agents, which are effective only if the medicine is used daily.

Accutane Dosage

• The recommended dosage range for Accutane is 0.5 to 1 milligram per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into 2 doses daily, for 15 to 20 weeks. For very severe cases, the doctor may increase the daily dose to as much as 2 milligrams per 2.2 pounds.
• The daily dose usually is administered in two divided doses for 15-20 weeks. Isotretinoin should be taken with food.

Uses of Accutane

• Accutane is used to treat a type of severe acne (nodular acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics.
• Isotretinoin is an oral drug used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne.

Side Effects of Accutane

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Accuretic.More common side effects may include:

• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye), dry or fragile skin, dry or cracked lips, dry mouth, dry nose, itching, joint pains, nosebleed.
• Bowel inflammation and pain, chest pain, decreased night vision, decreased tolerance to contact lenses, delay in wound healing, depression, fatigue, headache, nausea, peeling palms or soles, rash, skin infections, stomach and intestinal discomfort, sunburn-sensitive skin, thinning hair, urinary discomfort, vision problems, vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Accutane:

• Stop taking Accutane and notify your doctor immediately at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Although they are rare, serious and even fatal allergic reactions have been known to occur.
• When you first start taking Accutane, it is possible that your acne will get worse before it starts to get better.
• Accutane may cause depression or other mental problems. In rare cases, it has prompted thoughts of suicide. If you begin to feel depressed or become troubled by suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.
• You must not take Accutane if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment.
• Do not donate blood while you are taking isotretinoin and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it.

Drug Interaction :-While taking Accutane, do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A. Accutane and vitamin A are chemically related; taking them together is like taking an overdose of vitamin A. Remember, too, that Accutane should not be combined with tetracycline antibiotics such as:

• Doryx
• Minocin
• Vibramycin.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Accutane, seek medical attention immediately.

• Overdosage of Accutane, like overdosage of vitamin A, can cause:
  Abdominal pain, dizziness, dry or cracked lips, facial flushing, incoordination and clumsiness, headache, vomiting.