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/RXRIsotretinoin 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.
References:
[1]. Thielitz, A. and H. Gollnick, [Isotretinoin. How should it be used ]. Hautarzt, 2013. 64(4): p. 263-8.
[2]. Norris, D.A., et al., Isotretinoin produces significant inhibition of monocyte and neutrophil chemotaxis in vivo in patients with cystic acne. J Invest Dermatol, 1987. 89(1): p. 38-43.
[3]. Rademaker, M., J.M. Wishart, and N.M. Birchall, Isotretinoin 5 mg daily for low-grade adult acne vulgaris - a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 2013.
[4]. Dicken, C.H., Isotretinoin treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1987. 16(2 Pt 1): p. 297-301.