Also indexed as: Accutane®
Isotretinoin is a modified vitamin A molecule used to treat severe acne vulgaris.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Vitamin E*
|
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous
results. |
Vitamin A
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin A
Although little is known about how isotretinoin interacts with real vitamin A, the two are
structurally similar and have similar toxicities. Therefore, people taking isotretinoin should
avoid vitamin A supplements at levels higher than typically found in a multivitamin (10,000 IU per day).
Vitamin E
Preliminary research has found that combined administration of isotretinoin and vitamin E
(alpha-tocopherol) substantially reduces the initial toxicity of high-dose isotretinoin
without reducing drug efficacy.1 Additional research is needed to further clarify
this potentially beneficial interaction.
References
1. Dimery IW, Hong WK, Lee JJ, et al. Phase I trial of alpha-tocopherol
effects on 13-cis-retinoic acid toxicity. Ann Oncol 1997;8:85–9.
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Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires July 2004.