Isotretinoin
Also known as: Accutane, Claravis, Amnesteem, Sotret, Accure, Accutin, Curatane, Isoacne, Isohexal, Isotrex, Liderma, Nimegen, Oratane, Procuta, Roaccutan, Roaccutane, Roacutan, Stiefotrex, Tretin
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:** Isotretinoin causes severe birth defects. **Pregnant women, or women who may become pregnant, MUST NOT handle this medication.** It is highly advised not to use this drug in households where pregnant women are present. * **Administration:** Give this medication consistently either with food/milk or without, as dietary fat significantly increases how much drug is absorbed into the body. * **Sunlight:** Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to sunlight for your pet, as this drug can make the skin more sensitive to UV light. * **Dry Eye in Dogs:** This medication frequently causes "dry eye" (decreased tear production) in dogs. Watch for redness, squinting, or thick eye discharge, and expect your vet to perform regular tear tests. * **Cats:** Watch closely for loss of appetite and weight loss. If your cat stops eating, contact your veterinarian immediately. * **Cost:** Be aware that long-term therapy with this medication can be quite expensive.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Feline acne
- Feline acne
- Feline acne
- Epitheliotrophic lymphoma, cutaneus lymphoma
- Sebaceous adenitis when more conservative treatments have failed
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Schnauzer comedo syndrome
- Sebaceous adenitis in poodles; granulomatous sebaceous adenitis in viszlas
- Epitheliotrophic lymphoma, cutaneus lymphoma
- Schnauzer comedo syndrome, sebaceous adenitis in poodles, ichthyosis, keratocanthoma, epitheliotropic lymphoma, and sebaceous gland hyperplasia and adenoma
- Cutaneous lymphosarcoma
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dogs: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) - most common
- Dogs: GI effects (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention)
- Dogs: CNS effects (lassitude, hyperactivity, behavioral changes, collapse)
- Dogs: Stiffness of limbs
- Dogs: Pruritus, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema of feet and mucocutaneous junctions/cheilitis
- Dogs: Polydipsia, swollen tongue
- Cats: Blepharospasm, periocular crusting, erythema
- Cats: Diarrhea
- Cats: Weight loss secondary to anorexia
Cautions & contraindications
- Pregnancy (absolute contraindication - known teratogen)
- Nursing mothers
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Severe renal disease
- Severe hepatic disease
- Known hypersensitivity to isotretinoin
- **Teratogenicity:** Isotretinoin is a known teratogen (FDA Category X). Major anomalies have been reported in children of women taking the medication. It is absolutely contraindicated in pregnant veterinary patients and should NOT be used in households where pregnant women are present. **Hepatic & Lipid Effects:** May cause increases in serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver enzymes. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing hepatic or lipid disorders. **Ocular Effects:** High risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) in dogs; regular monitoring is required.
Drug interactions
- Vitamin A or other retinoids (etretinate, tretinoin): May cause additive toxic effects.
- Cyclosporine: Isotretinoin may increase cyclosporine levels.
- Tetracyclines: Use with tetracyclines may increase the potential for the occurrence of pseudotumor cerebri (cerebral edema and increased CSF pressure).
Frequently asked questions
What is Isotretinoin used for in pets?
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:** Isotretinoin causes severe birth defects. **Pregnant women, or women who may become pregnant, MUST NOT handle this medication.** It is highly advised not to use this drug in households where pregnant women are present. * **Administration:** Give this medication consistently either with food/milk or without, as dietary fat significantly increases how much drug is absorbed into the body. * **Sunlight:** Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to sunlight for your pet, as this drug can make the skin more sensitive to UV light. * **Dry Eye in Dogs:** This medication frequently causes "dry eye" (decreased tear production) in dogs. Watch for redness, squinting, or thick eye discharge, and expect your vet to perform regular tear tests. * **Cats:** Watch closely for loss of appetite and weight loss. If your cat stops eating, contact your veterinarian immediately. * **Cost:** Be aware that long-term therapy with this medication can be quite expensive.
Is Isotretinoin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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