isotretinoin

[ ahy-soh-tri-tin-oh-in, -oin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a yellowish-orange to orange crystalline powder, C 20 H 28 O 2 , used in the treatment of cystic acne.

isotretinoin

/ ˌaɪsəʊtrəˈtɪnəʊɪn /

noun

1. a drug related to vitamin A, used to treat severe acne that has failed to respond to other treatment

Word History and Origins

Origin of isotretinoin¹

iso- + tretinoin a name for retinoic or Vitamin A acid, equivalent to t- (of uncertain derivation) + retino(ic acid) ( retin(ol) + -o- + -ic ) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Isotretinoin, also known as roaccutane, is a form of vitamin A that is used to treat severe cases that have not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics.

From BBC

Ashlee, from Bridgend, has been on acne medication isotretinoin for more than a year, and while her acne is yet to completely clear, her spirit is undeterred.

From BBC

However, these treatments can cause serious side effects such as breaking skin microbiome homeostasis -because they are not selectively killing bacteria- or photosensitivity, in the case of antibiotics, or birth defects or extreme scaling of skin, in the case of isotretinoin.

From Science Daily

And isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is an effective oral acne medication, though it can cause serious side effects, including birth defects and depression.

From Seattle Times

At the inquest in December 2021 into the teenager's death, coroner Jonathan Leach concluded there was "no evidence" it was "caused or contributed to by isotretinoin".

From BBC