Isotretinoin (Accutane) as Rosacea Treatment

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Isotretinoin (Accutane®) is a retinoid or vitamin A analog, which means that its molecular structure is similar to Vitamin A. It was first approved in the US in 1982. Capsules come in either 10mg or 40mg doses.

How Do I Use This Medication?

You should take capsules as directed with fat-containing food for example, with 2% or whole milk. The fat in the food helps the medication to be fully absorbed so that enough can be delivered to your skin to make it effective.

Women who are of childbearing age need to use two reliable forms of contraception while taking this medication, and for one month after completing the treatment.

How Well Does It Work?

It works slower for rosacea than it does for acne treatment. A larger dose is often required, compared to the dose requirements when used for treating acne. Generally not as effective in rosacea compared to acne.

How Does It Work?

Isotretinoin basically helps the sebaceous gland to mature. It does so in several ways. Testosterone drives this oil gland to produce a number of different oils that influence the lining of the hair follicle. Accutane® brings the amount of oils to a more normal level and helps to change the composition of the oil so that it does not allow the pores to clog up. It prevents an excess of keratin from being produced, which means that comedones are not so readily formed.

This is the most effective therapy currently available. It can be used to treat your acne, if it is severe, and will reduce the risk of scarring. However, only doctors who have experience in its use should prescribe this medication. This is because regular monitoring, including periodic blood testing, is necessary. Women and girls who are using this medication must follow the manufacturer’s Pregnancy Prevention Program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Isotretinoin:

1. "Can I take other medications?"

2. "Which brands are available?"

3. "What conditions are treated by this medication?"

Minocycline (Minocin®, Dynacin®, Vectrin®)

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INTRODUCTION
Minocycline inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. Anti-inflammatory actions. Drug Class: Antibiotic, Anti-inflammatory-long acting tetracycline... | Read more ...

CLININCAL EXPERIENCE
Oral antibiotics have had a significant role in the treatment of inflammatory disease such as acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis and others. Tetracycline has long been the first line antibiotic for acneform eruptions because of its efficacy and affordability although in inconvenience of divides doses on an empty stomach has compromised compliance in some. P. acnes resistance to Tetracycline and Erythromycin has meant looking elsewhere for an alternative antibiotic. Bacterial resistance to Minocycline has been much slower to develop... | Read more ...

INDICATIONS
Labeled Indications: Dermatologic Dermatologic: Acne vulgaris, Inflammatory acne, Anthrax, Chancroid, Granuloma inguinale, Lymphogranuloma venerum, Skin and soft tissue infections , Syphilis, Yaws... | Read more ...

PATIENT PROFILE
Any inflammatory acne or rosacea patient who is not likely to respond to topical therapy alone. If scarring present or nodulocystic acne a more aggressive approach may be necessary... | Read more ...

DOSING
Capsules: Minocycline 50 and 100mg (Minocin* Dynacin*) Suspension: Minocycline 50mg (Minocin* Dynacin*) Parenteral: Minocycline 100mg (Minocin IV*) ... | Read more ...

EFFICACY
Improvement in inflammatory lesion in acne is about a 20% reduction a month. It may take 1-2 months to see initial benefit. After 6 months there is an approximate 60-70% improvement in inflammatory acne counts. Studies over the last 20 years have shown that tetracycline, erythromycin, doxycycline and minocycline have about the same efficacy in acne... | Read more ...

COMPLIANCE
All tetracyclines are broad-spectrum bacteriostatic agents. They are well absorbed, although oxytetracycline and tetracycline should not be taken with food. Minocycline as well as Doxycycline are absorbed almost as well on an empty as full stomach... | Read more ...

SIDE EFFECTS, SAFETY AND RISKS
Discard outdated tetracyclines as degradation products may be toxic. Not recommended in pregnancy and in children under 8 years of age as permanent enamel hyperplasia, discoloration of teeth, and inhibition of fetal skeletal growth may occur... | Read more ...

COST OF TREATMENT
Cost of treatment of 1 month of standard dose for acne: Minocycline 100 mg daily for 1 month $42. Tetracycline 1gm daily for 1 month ... | Read more ...

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