259 In the index

Isotretinoin ISO

A powerful, FDA-approved oral medication (Accutane and generics) for severe, stubborn acne. It clearly works based on solid research, but it carries serious risks including severe birth defects if used during pregnancy, along with possible mood changes and liver effects, so it requires close medical monitoring.

Also known as Accutane, 13-cis-Retinoic acid, 13-cis-Vitamin A acid, Neovitamin A acid, Claravis, Roaccutane, 13-cis retinoic acid

Effects Skin and hair

Routes Oral

Legal status Prescription drug

WADA Not listed

3D Molecular Structure of C₂₀H₂₈O₂

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Chemistry

Formula: C20H28O2
Molar mass: 300.4
CAS: 4759-48-2
PubChem CID: 5282379
IUPAC name: (2Z,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid
InChIKey: SHGAZHPCJJPHSC-XFYACQKRSA-N

Reported dosing

Approved label

What has been reported in the literature and by users. This is a record of what is done, not a recommendation.

Typical dose 0.5-1 mg/kg/day

Reported range 0.5-2 mg/kg/day

Route Oral

Frequency Once or twice daily

Duration 15-20 week course, typically to a cumulative target dose

FDA-approved for severe acne (Accutane and generics); requires enrollment in the iPLEDGE monitoring program due to serious birth-defect and other risks.

Where this comes from FDA prescribing information

These figures are recorded for reference and are not a recommendation. Dosing is a decision for you and a clinician.