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compositionComposition:ISOTRETINOIN-20MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
info
Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

ISOTRETINOIN-20MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Micro Labs Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Isotane-20 Capsule

Isotane-20 Capsule is a prescription medication primarily used to treat severe, painful, and deep nodular acne. When other treatments like topical creams or oral antibiotics fail to clear your skin, doctors prescribe this medication to help control severe breakouts and prevent long-term damage. It works by targeting the root causes of severe acne to give you clearer skin.

During the first few weeks of treatment, some people may notice a temporary increase in acne breakouts, redness, or skin irritation. This initial flare happens as the medicine begins changing oil production and skin cell activity. It usually improves with continued treatment, but inform your doctor if the worsening is severe, painful, or difficult to manage.

To achieve the best results, you must take this medication consistently every day, typically once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. It is highly recommended to take this capsule with a meal containing healthy fats, as food significantly increases how well your body absorbs the medicine. Alongside your treatment, adopting a gentle skincare routine, staying hydrated, and avoiding harsh facial scrubs can help support your skin's healing process.

While this medication is highly effective, it is common to experience side effects such as dry skin, chapped lips, and dry eyes. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience more serious issues, such as severe stomach pain, changes in your vision, or sudden changes in your mood or mental health.

Talk to your doctor before starting this treatment if you have a history of liver problems, high blood lipids, depression, or diabetes. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as it carries an extremely high risk of causing severe, life-threatening birth defects.

This medication can interact with other substances; for instance, you should avoid taking vitamin A supplements, certain tetracycline antibiotics, or consuming alcohol while on this treatment. If you are part of a specific group, such as the elderly or those with underlying metabolic conditions, consult your healthcare provider to discuss safe usage.

Uses of Isotane-20 Capsule

Your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat several conditions, including:

  • Severe nodular acne:  Isotane-20 Capsule helps clear deep, painful lumps and cysts under the skin when other standard treatments, including oral antibiotics, do not work.
  • Acne scarring prevention: By rapidly clearing severe acne lesions, this medicine helps prevent permanent physical scarring and long-term skin texture damage.
  • Other uses: In some cases, doctors may prescribe Isotane-20 Capsule for conditions other than severe acne, such as certain difficult-to-treat skin disorders including rosacea or hidradenitis suppurativa. These uses may be based on specialist judgment and are not the primary approved use of the medicine.
     

Key Benefits

Isotane-20 Capsule provides powerful acne treatment by targeting severe breakouts and addressing the underlying causes of acne formation. By reducing oil production and preventing new lesions, this medicine offers several key health benefits:

  • Long-Lasting Control of Severe Acne: Isotane-20 Capsule helps clear persistent, severe acne and may provide lasting improvement after completing a prescribed treatment course, reducing the need for continuous acne medications.
  • Relief from Painful Acne Lesions: By reducing deep, inflamed cysts and nodules, Isotane-20 Capsule helps decrease skin tenderness, soreness, and discomfort caused by severe breakouts.
  • Prevention of New Acne Formation: Isotane-20 Capsule helps interrupt the cycle of recurring breakouts, allowing the skin barrier to heal and reducing the likelihood of new severe acne lesions developing over time.
     

Directions for Use

Take  Isotane-20 Capsule exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow these simple steps for safe administration:

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or suck on the capsule.
  • Take this medicine with a high-fat meal or snack, as food significantly increases how well your body absorbs it.
  • Take your doses at the same time(s) each day to maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body.

Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding your daily dose and how long to continue the treatment. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking this medicine without consulting your healthcare provider first.
 

How Isotane-20 Capsule Works

Isotane-20 Capsule contains isotretinoin. It targets all four major causes of severe acne. First, it significantly shrinks the oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) in your skin, reducing the amount of natural oil they produce. Less oil means fewer clogged pores where acne can start. Second, it slows down the rapid growth of skin cells inside your pores, preventing blockages that lead to blackheads and pimples. Third, by reducing the skin's oil content, it naturally starves and decreases the population of acne-causing bacteria. Finally, it calms the severe redness, swelling, and deep inflammation associated with painful nodular lesions.
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Alcohol

Unsafe

Avoid consumption of alcohol with Isotane-20 Capsule as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause a rise in cholesterol levels.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Isotane-20 Capsule is a Category X pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women as it may cause severe birth defects. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Isotane-20 Capsule may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Please consult a doctor before using Isotane-20 Capsule while breastfeeding.

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Driving

Caution

Isotane-20 Capsule may reduce night vision in some patients. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Isotane-20 Capsule .

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Liver

Unsafe

Isotane-20 Capsule is usually not recommended for patients with impaired liver function. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Isotane-20 Capsule in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.

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Kidney

Consult your doctor

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Isotane-20 Capsule in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.

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Children

Unsafe

Isotane-20 Capsule is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Isotane-20 Capsule in patients with heart problems, please consult a doctor.

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Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Limited information is available. Please consult your doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Isotane-20 Capsule

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Isotane-20 Capsule as it may cause an overdose. The symptoms of overdose include vomiting, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, loss of balance or coordination, warmth or tingling in your face and swollen or cracked lips. If you suspect you have taken an overdose or notice signs of overdose, please consult a doctor immediately.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Avoid taking any vitamin A supplements or multivitamins containing Vitamin A, as this can cause a dangerous buildup of the vitamin in your body.
  • Protect your skin from the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, and wear protective clothing, as your skin will burn much faster.
  • Moisturise your skin, lips, and eyes daily. Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser, lip balm, and lubricating eye drops to manage dryness.
  • Avoid cosmetic skin treatments like waxing, chemical peels, or dermabrasion while taking this medicine and for at least six months after stopping, as your skin is highly fragile and may scar.
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help manage dry skin and eyes.
     

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Isotane-20 Capsule to start to work: Isotane-20 Capsule ideally shows its action within 1 to 4 hours after administration. The time for which the effects of Isotane-20 Capsule last: The effect of Isotane-20 Capsule lasts for 5 days.

What if you forget to take Isotane-20 Capsule

Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Storage

Store Isotane-20 Capsule capsules at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). •Keep the capsules in their original packaging to protect them from light and moisture.

Drug Warnings

  • Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar severe acne symptoms, as it can cause severe harm, especially to unborn babies.
  • Do not donate blood while taking  Isotane-20 Capsule and for at least one month after your final dose to ensure none of your blood is given to a pregnant woman.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medicine, as both alcohol and the medication are processed by the liver, and combining them increases the risk of liver damage.
  • Do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. Women of childbearing age must use two effective forms of birth control simultaneously and undergo monthly pregnancy tests before, during, and for one month after treatment.
  • Be cautious when driving or operating machinery at night, as this medicine can cause sudden decreases in night vision.
  • Do not use Isotane-20 Capsule longer than prescribed. Regular follow-up appointments help your doctor decide how long treatment should continue and whether dose adjustments are needed.
  • Men taking Isotane-20 Capsule should discuss contraception and family planning with their doctor. Although the risk to a partner is much lower than with pregnancy in women taking the medicine, avoiding pregnancy during treatment is still recommended.
  • Complete all recommended blood tests and follow-up visits during treatment, even if your acne is improving.
     

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Drug Interactions:

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.

  • Tetracycline antibiotics: Taking these with  Isotane-20 Capsule increases the risk of high pressure inside the skull, which can cause severe headaches and vision loss.
  • Vitamin A supplements: Combining these can lead to additive toxic effects, similar to a severe Vitamin A overdose.
  • Progesterone-only birth control pills: This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of these specific contraceptives. Use two robust forms of birth control as directed.
  • Systemic corticosteroids: May increase the risk of bone loss or weak bones when combined.

Drug-Food Interactions:

  • High-fat meals: Taking  Isotane-20 Capsule with fatty foods significantly increases its absorption and effectiveness. Do not take it on an empty stomach unless specifically instructed.

Drug-Disease Interactions:

Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking  Isotane-20 Capsule , as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.

  • Liver disease: Do not take this medicine if you have severe liver impairment, as it can cause further liver damage.
  • High blood lipids: This medicine can increase blood fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides). Your doctor will monitor your blood lipids closely if you have high cholesterol.
  • Depression or mental health conditions: Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression or mood disorders, as this medicine can occasionally worsen these conditions.
     
IsotretinoinDemeclocycline
Critical

Drug-Drug Interactions

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How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Co-administration of Isotane-20 Capsule with Oxytetracycline can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri (caused by increased pressure in the brain).

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule and Oxytetracycline together is not recommended as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting doctor.
IsotretinoinDemeclocycline
Critical
How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule with Demeclocycline may increase the risk of a rare and serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure in the brain).

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Isotane-20 Capsule and Demeclocycline together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting doctor.
How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule with Doxycycline may increase the risk of a rare condition called pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure in the brain).

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Isotane-20 Capsule and Doxycycline together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting doctor.
How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule together with tretinoin may increase the risk of hypervitaminosis A (excessive vitamin A-related effects).

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Isotane-20 Capsule and tretinoin together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as increased pressure in the brain (headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances) or liver damage (fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes). Do not stop using any medications without consulting doctor.
How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule with minocycline may increase the risk of a rare and serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure in the brain).

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Isotane-20 Capsule and minocycline together can result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting a doctor.
IsotretinoinAminolevulinic acid
Severe
How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule with aminolevulinic acid may increase the risk of a severe sunburn.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Isotane-20 Capsule and aminolevulinic acid together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. After taking you should avoid exposure of the eyes and skin to sunlight or bright indoor lights for 48 hours. Incase you experience any unusual symptoms, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting doctor.
IsotretinoinLomitapide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule with lomitapide may affect liver and cause liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Isotane-20 Capsule and lomitapide together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of hunger, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Isotane-20 Capsule:
Taking Isotane-20 Capsule with teriflunomide may affect liver and causes liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Isotane-20 Capsule and teriflunomide together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of hunger, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not stop using any medications without consulting doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[RETINOIDS]

FAQs

Isotane-20 Capsule is used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics.

Isotane-20 Capsule may cause decreased night vision temporarily or permanently in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Isotane-20 Capsule to experience this side effect. Avoid driving after taking Isotane-20 Capsule if you are unable to see in the dark, and consult a doctor if you notice any changes in vision or have painful or persistent dry eyes.

Isotane-20 Capsule may increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn.

No, you are not recommended to undergo any cosmetic procedures to smoothen your skin, including waxing, laser procedures or dermabrasion (an exfoliating technique to remove outer layers of skin with a rotating instrument) while taking Isotane-20 Capsule and for a minimum of 6 months after stopping treatment with Isotane-20 Capsule , as it may increase the risk of scarring.

You are not recommended to take vitamin A supplements with Isotane-20 Capsule as it may cause hypervitaminosis A (excessive levels of vitamin A in the body), leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines or supplements with Isotane-20 Capsule .

Isotane-20 Capsule is safe to use if prescribed by the doctor. Use Isotane-20 Capsule exactly as advised by the doctor as it is associated with adverse effects.

Isotane-20 Capsule is not a steroid. It is a retinoid used to treat severe nodular acne.

Pregnancy tests, lipid profile tests, liver function tests, blood glucose tests, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) tests are recommended tests during Isotane-20 Capsule treatment.

In most cases, the effect of Isotane-20 Capsule is permanent. Isotretinoin is a clinically effective anti-acne therapy that shows significant improvement in many patients.

Isotane-20 Capsule does not cause cancer. In fact, isotretinoin slows the growth of cancer cells by activating protein receptors in cells, including cancer cells.

Long-term use of Isotane-20 Capsule , even in low doses, has not been studied and is not recommended. Hence, long-term side effects of Isotane-20 Capsule have not been established.

Isotane-20 Capsule is not known to affect male fertility.

Isotane-20 Capsule might elevate liver enzymes. Therefore, regular liver function tests are advised.

Side effects of Isotane-20 Capsule include chapped lips and dry skin, eyes, nose, or lips. These side effects may not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

No, you must not get pregnant while taking Isotane-20 Capsule . It causes severe, life-threatening birth defects. Women who can get pregnant must use two effective forms of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about birth control.

Taking Isotane-20 Capsule with a meal, especially one containing healthy fats, helps your body absorb the medicine properly. If taken on an empty stomach, the medicine may not work as effectively. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific meal advice.

Most people begin to notice improvement within 1 to 2 months of starting Isotane-20 Capsule . During the first few weeks, your acne may temporarily become worse before it starts improving. This early flare is usually temporary, but you should inform your doctor if it becomes severe. A typical treatment course lasts about 4 to 6 months, although the duration may vary depending on your response and your doctor's advice.

It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Isotane-20 Capsule . Both alcohol and this medicine are processed by your liver, and combining them increases the risk of liver damage and elevated blood fats. Talk to your doctor for advice.

No, you should avoid waxing, laser treatments, and chemical peels while taking Isotane-20 Capsule and for at least six months after stopping. The medicine makes your skin highly fragile, increasing the risk of severe skin irritation, tearing, and scarring. Talk to your dermatologist.

Yes, dryness of the skin, lips, eyes, and nose is the most common side effect of Isotane-20 Capsule . You can manage this by using thick moisturizers, lip balms, and lubricating eye drops regularly. Talk to your pharmacist for product recommendations.

No, you must not donate blood while taking Isotane-20 Capsule and for at least one month after you stop taking it. This precaution prevents the risk of your blood being given to a pregnant woman, which could cause severe birth defects. Talk to your doctor for more information.

If you or your family notice any unusual mood changes, severe sadness, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm while taking Isotane-20 Capsule , stop taking the medicine immediately and contact your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms.

Yes, your doctor may recommend blood tests before and during treatment to monitor your liver function and blood fat levels such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Some patients may also require other tests depending on their health history. These checks help ensure that the medicine remains safe and appropriate for you.

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Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

27, RACE COURSE ROAD, BANGALORE-560 001, INDIA
Other Info - ISO0005
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