Isotroin 20 mg

Isotroin 20 mg is an oral retinoid medicine manufactured by Cipla. Each capsule contains 20 mg of isotretinoin, a substance related to vitamin A.

It is mainly prescribed for severe nodular or cystic acne, particularly when topical medicines and oral antibiotics have not produced adequate results. This medicine is not normally used for occasional spots or mild acne because it requires careful medical supervision.

• Severe nodular acne, which causes large and painful lumps beneath the skin

• Cystic acne containing deep, inflamed and sometimes pus-filled lesions

• Acne that may leave permanent scars

• Severe acne affecting the face, chest, shoulders or back

• Acne that has not responded adequately to topical treatments

• Acne that remains uncontrolled after a suitable course of oral antibiotics

• Persistent acne that repeatedly returns after other treatments

Isotroin 20 mg should only be used for the condition diagnosed by the prescribing doctor. It should not be shared with another person, even when the symptoms appear similar.

• Reduces excessive skin oil: Isotretinoin reduces the size and activity of the sebaceous glands. This lowers the amount of sebum produced by the skin.

• Helps keep pores clear: Lower oil production and more controlled shedding of skin cells make pores less likely to become blocked. This can reduce the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed acne lesions.

• Controls inflammation: The medicine helps reduce the redness, tenderness and swelling associated with severe nodules and cysts.

• Reduces new acne formation: By controlling oil, blocked pores and inflammation, Isotroin 20 mg can reduce the number of new acne lesions that develop during treatment.

• May reduce the risk of permanent scars: Effective control of deep and inflamed acne may lower the chance of further scarring. It does not, however, remove scars that have already developed.

Isotroin 20 mg contains isotretinoin, which works mainly by reducing activity in the skin’s sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, the natural oil that can contribute to blocked pores when produced in excessive amounts.

Isotretinoin makes the sebaceous glands smaller and reduces oil production. It also helps regulate how dead skin cells are shed inside hair follicles. This prevents oil and dead cells from collecting and forming plugs inside the pores.

The reduction in sebum also makes the skin less favourable for acne-associated bacteria. At the same time, isotretinoin reduces inflammation around blocked follicles. These combined effects help control nodules, cysts and other severe acne lesions.

Isotroin 20 mg is a capsule strength, not a standard daily dose. The correct dose must be calculated by a dermatologist according to:

• Body weight

• Type and severity of acne

• Location of the acne

• Risk of scarring

• Response to treatment

• Blood-test results

• Treatment-related side effects

Isotretinoin treatment commonly starts at a lower weight-based dose that may be adjusted during the course. Published isotretinoin prescribing information describes a usual total daily dose of 0.5 to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, but this must not be used to calculate a dose without a doctor.

Common Side Effects
Isotroin 20 mg can reduce excessive oil production, prevent blocked pores and control the inflammation responsible for severe acne. With continued treatment, existing nodules and cysts may heal, fewer new spots may develop and the risk of further acne scarring may decrease. These are treatment benefits rather than side effects.

Serious Side Effects
Possible side effects include dry or cracked lips, dry skin, dry eyes, nosebleeds, headache, increased sun sensitivity and muscle or joint pain. Serious reactions may include severe mood changes, persistent headache with blurred vision, severe stomach pain, liver problems, hearing or vision changes and serious skin reactions. Isotretinoin can also cause severe birth defects and must not be taken during pregnancy.

The medicine should also be avoided by:

• Anyone who is pregnant, suspects pregnancy or is trying to become pregnant

• Breastfeeding patients

• People with severe liver disease

• People with very high or uncontrolled blood-fat levels

• People with excessive vitamin A levels

• Patients currently taking tetracycline antibiotics

If pregnancy occurs during treatment, Isotroin must be stopped immediately and urgent medical advice obtained. Blood donation must also be avoided during treatment and for one month after the final dose.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and skincare products being used.

Important interactions may include:

• Tetracycline antibiotics

• Vitamin A supplements

• Other oral or topical retinoids

• Certain acne treatments

• Corticosteroids

• Medicines that may affect the liver

Taking Isotroin 20 mg with vitamin A supplements may increase the risk of vitamin A toxicity. Combining it with tetracycline antibiotics may increase pressure around the brain.

• Store Isotroin 20 mg below 25°C or according to the temperature printed on the package.

• Keep the capsules in their original blister packaging.

• Protect them from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.

• Do not store the medicine in a bathroom or near a sink.

• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

• Do not use capsules after the printed expiry date.