Accutane is a brand name for isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid, a retinoid compound related to vitamin A that is used to treat severe skin diseases. Its primary indication is severe cystic acne or moderate acne resistant to antibiotics, and it is also used for severe skin conditions such as harlequin-type and lamellar ichthyosis, with secondary use in hidradenitis suppurativa and rosacea. Its exact mechanism remains unclear, but it works by triggering apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cells of the sebaceous glands responsible for oil production, and it may also be converted inside cells to metabolites that activate retinoic acid receptors. The drug received its initial patent protection in 1969 and FDA approval in 1982.
Facts
Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account Route of Administration Route of Administration Route of Administration First Approved / Isolated Year Connections
Sources
1. Isotretinoin (Wikipedia)
lead sentence 13Quote, lead sentence 13
Isotretinoin was patented in 1969 and approved for medical use in 1982.
2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code DQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code D
Dermatologicals
3. Wikidata: Accutane
WikidataWikidata P636 (route-of-administration: oral)
Route of administration: oral administration
Wikidata P636 (route-of-administration: rectal)
Route of administration: rectal administration
Wikidata P636 (route-of-administration: topical)
Route of administration: topical administration
View the Source 4. HealthRx: Accutane (Isotretinoin) FDA Approval History
Original FDA Approval DateQuote, Original FDA Approval Date
The FDA approved isotretinoin (brand name Accutane) on May 7, 1982, for severe recalcitrant nodular acne.
Accutane (Wikipedia)
Lead sectionQuote, Lead section
Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid and sold under the brand name Accutane among others, is a medication used to treat skin diseases like harlequin-type ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis, and severe cystic acne or moderate acne that is unresponsive to antibiotics.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.