Acne, commonly known as pimples, is a common ** disease that occurs more often in teenagers. With the development of medicine, there are many drugs for acne, among which, isotretinoin soft capsules, as a first-line oral drug, occupy an important position in acne. However, for the question of whether this drug can be used for a long time, and what to do if there are adverse reactions, we will conduct an in-depth **.
Isotretinoin softgels belong to the retinoid class of drugs, which mainly inhibit the secretion of sebaceous glands, regulate follicular keratosis, and have anti-inflammatory effects to ** acne. It can directly inhibit the proliferation and lipid synthesis of sebaceous gland cells, and at the same time can reduce the number of surface fatty acids and P. acnes in hair follicles, thereby effectively reducing the symptoms of acne.
According to the "Chinese Acne Guidelines" (2019 Revised Edition), it is also mentioned that the indications of tretinoins are not only severe acne, such as frequent acne, acne with severe psychological pressure, or other acne with poor methods can be used oral retinoids.
Isotretinoin is generally taken at 025～0.The dose of 5 mg kg is the initial dose and is gradually adjusted according to patient tolerance and efficacy. If you are a patient with severe nodular cystic acne, you can gradually increase it to 05～1.0mg/kg。
The duration of treatment depends on the resolution of the lesions and the dosage to be taken, which should usually be no less than 16 weeks. It generally takes effect in 3 to 4 weeks after taking it, and can be appropriately reduced after the skin lesions are controlled, and the dosage can be appropriately reduced to continue to consolidate**2 3 months or longer.
Due to the long duration of acne, there are more or less adverse reactions during taking isotretinoin, I believe you have also heard that in order to maintain the balance between the effective rate of isotretinoin and the safety of long-term use, we should adopt the principle of taking the drug in small doses and long courses.
A small dose is defined as taking 025-0.5mg kg dose; We know that acne is very easy**, according to previous studies** the rate is 9% 92%, and the rate can be reduced by taking isotretinoin for a long course of isotretinoin, which refers to taking isotretinoin for at least 1 month after the acne symptoms have disappeared.
Like many medications, isotretinoin softgels may also cause some adverse reactions, so let's analyze the various adverse reactions and how to deal with them.
1. Drying and peeling:Isotretinoin softgels may cause dryness and peeling, as the drug inhibits the secretion of sebaceous glands, making the surface dry, which is also a sign that the drug is working. Coping Options: Maintaining good moisturizing every day is a priority, and using a gentle moisturizer, especially before bedtime, can help alleviate dryness and flaking caused by isotretinoin softgels.
2. Dry lips and cheilitisThe incidence of adverse reactions of dry lips is particularly high, and it is actually a sign of the effect of the drug. Coping plan: From the first day, use lip balm to moisturize and relieve, and drink plenty of water every day, and do not peel off the skin lesions if you have chapped lips, so as not to aggravate it.
3. Sun allergy:Isotretinoin may increase** sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, leading to sun allergies. This may manifest as redness, burning, and sun spots. Coping plan: During the use of isotretinoin softgels, avoid exposure to strong sunlight and take physical sun protection, such as wearing a sun hat, sunglasses, parasols, etc., to reduce sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
4. Dry eyesDry eyes can also occur after medication, mild ocular adverse reactions do not need to be discontinued, or the dose can be reduced, severe reactions with visual difficulties should be stopped immediately, and should not be taken at the same time with vitamin A vitamin supplements. Avoid taking isotretinoin before and after myopia eye surgery. Patients who wear glasses should inform their physician in time that it is not appropriate to take isotretinoin.
5. Nasal mucosal bleeding:Isotretinoin causes epistaxis in 11% to 14% of cases. Studies have shown that nosebleeds are mainly caused by isotretinoin, which can cause dryness of the nasal mucosa, and can be recovered after stopping the drug.
Summary: Isotretinoin is the first-line drug for moderate to severe acne, and the principle of taking the drug in small doses and long courses makes the drug safer. It may cause adverse reactions during use, and the degree of these reactions can be effectively mitigated by gradual adaptation, moisturizing, avoiding strong sunlight, etc. However, in case of serious adverse reactions, medical professional advice should be sought promptly.