Isotretinoin

Retinoid (acne tablets)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Isotretinoin is a retinoid (acne tablets) found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Isotroin 20, Isotroin 10. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats severe or stubborn acne.

How it works

A vitamin A-derived tablet for severe acne. It shrinks oil glands and can clear acne permanently after a 4 to 6 month course.

How to take it

Usually with food once or twice a day, dosed by weight. Monthly checks of blood tests and mood; do not donate blood during treatment.

Common side effects

  • Very dry lips and skin
  • Nosebleeds
  • Dry eyes
  • Joint and muscle aches
  • Sun sensitivity

Get medical help straight away if

  • Low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm
  • Severe headache with vision change
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Yellow skin

Be careful

Causes serious birth defects: never take in pregnancy. Dry lips and skin are common; needs blood tests.

Other medicines and interactions

Do not take with tetracyclines (brain pressure) or vitamin A supplements.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Causes severe birth defects. Women must not be pregnant, must use effective contraception from 1 month before to 1 month after treatment, and must not breastfeed.

Brands of Isotretinoin (2)

Isotroin 10Isotroin 20

Common questions

What is Isotretinoin used for?

Treats severe or stubborn acne.

How does Isotretinoin work?

A vitamin A-derived tablet for severe acne. It shrinks oil glands and can clear acne permanently after a 4 to 6 month course.

How should I take Isotretinoin?

Usually with food once or twice a day, dosed by weight. Monthly checks of blood tests and mood; do not donate blood during treatment.

What are the side effects of Isotretinoin?

Common: Very dry lips and skin, nosebleeds, dry eyes, joint and muscle aches, sun sensitivity. Get help straight away for: Low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm, severe headache with vision change, severe stomach pain, yellow skin.

Does Isotretinoin interact with other medicines?

Do not take with tetracyclines (brain pressure) or vitamin A supplements.

Is Isotretinoin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Causes severe birth defects. Women must not be pregnant, must use effective contraception from 1 month before to 1 month after treatment, and must not breastfeed.

Does Isotretinoin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Isotretinoin?

Isotroin 10, Isotroin 20.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.