Erythromycin/isotretinoin (trade name Isotrexin) is a topical gel with two active ingredients: erythromycin 2% w/w and isotretinoin 0.05% w/w with a primary indication for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris.[1][2]
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Erythromycin | Macrolide antibiotic |
| Isotretinoin | Retinoid |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Isotrexin |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | UK Drug Information |
| Routes of administration | Topical gel |
| ATC code | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| (verify) | |
Isotretinoin is a pharmaceutical derivative of retinoic acid (a metabolite of vitamin A). Its mechanism of action is believed to involve reduction in the amount of sebum produced by sebaceous glands on the skin's surface.
Erythromycin is a bacteriostatic macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including the inhibition of bacteria linked with acne, such Cutibacterium acnes. The mechanism of action is poorly understood.[3]
Side effects
editErythromycin/isotretinoin may cause a number of side effects, ranging from very common to rare. Most side effects affect the skin and have only a local effect to the place of application. Some of the side effects are related to vitamin A toxicity.[1]
| Very common (≥ 1/10) | Common (≥ 1/100, < 1/10) | Unknown frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Skin pain | Dermatitis | Allergic reaction |
| Rash | Facial swelling | |
| Xeroderma (dry skin) | Hives | |
| Prunitis (skin itching) | Abdominal pain | |
| Skin burning sensation | Diarrhea | |
| Erythematous (skin redness) | Skin photosensitivity | |
| Skin irritation | Skin discoloration | |
| Skin peeling or scaling |
References
edit- ^ a b "Isotrexin Gel (isotretinoin 0.05%/erythromycin 2%)" (PDF). mhra.gov.uk. Stiefel Laboratories Ltd. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-22.
- ^ Marshall H (10 May 2017). "Isotrexin gel (isotretinoin, erythromycin)". Netdoctor. Retrieved 2016-05-10.
- ^ Giannopoulos L, Papaparaskevas J, Refene E, Daikos G, Stavrianeas N, Tsakris A (February 2015). "MLST typing of antimicrobial-resistant Propionibacterium acnes isolates from patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris". Anaerobe. Special Issue: Antibiotic resistance of anaerobic bacteria. 31: 50–54. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.10.007. PMID 25451716.