Description
About Isotroin 5 mg Soft Capsules
Isotroin 5 mg is a prescription soft gelatin capsule containing 5 mg of isotretinoin, made by Cipla Limited, used to treat severe or persistent acne that has not responded to antibiotics and topical treatments. It is the lowest strength of Isotroin and is mainly used to fine-tune doses, to begin treatment gently or in specialist low-dose regimens.
How does Isotroin work?
Isotretinoin is an oral medicine derived from vitamin A. It makes the oil glands smaller and less productive, normalizes how skin cells shed inside pores and reduces inflammation. With less oil and fewer blocked pores, acne bacteria cannot thrive and new spots stop forming.
Low-dose isotretinoin: what you should know
Standard labeled doses are 0.5–1 mg per kg of body weight a day. A number of specialists use much smaller amounts, commonly between 5 and 20 mg daily, for adult acne that keeps coming back, very oily skin, or patients who struggle with dryness. This approach often causes less dryness but is not part of the licensed dosing, usually needs longer treatment and may carry a higher chance of relapse. The pregnancy, mood and blood-test precautions are exactly the same at any dose.
How to take Isotroin 5 mg
- Swallow the capsule whole with a meal; taking it on an empty stomach reduces absorption.
- Follow the exact number of capsules and timing your dermatologist gives you.
- The 5 mg capsule can be added to other strengths to reach an in-between dose, such as 25 mg from a 20 mg and a 5 mg capsule.
- If a dose is forgotten, take it once you remember unless your next one is due soon; never take two at once.
Pregnancy prevention
There is no safe dose of isotretinoin in pregnancy. If you could conceive, treatment is only possible within a pregnancy prevention program (the Pregnancy Prevention Program in the UK or iPLEDGE in the US). You will usually need two contraceptive methods starting a month before treatment and continuing until a month after it ends, with pregnancy tests before the first dose, every month and after stopping. Isotroin should not be used during breastfeeding.
What are the side effects?
- Dry lips, which almost everyone notices, plus dry skin and eyes.
- Nosebleeds, headache, and aching muscles or joints.
- Greater sensitivity to sunlight.
- Changes in blood lipids and liver enzymes, found on routine tests.
Stop and get medical help if you develop low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm, a severe headache with blurred or double vision, severe stomach pain, yellowing skin or a severe skin reaction.
Who should not take it?
Isotroin is unsuitable for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, and for people with serious liver disease, very high cholesterol or triglycerides, or high vitamin A levels. Do not take tetracycline antibiotics or vitamin A supplements with it. Blood donation is not allowed during treatment or for one month after the last capsule, and waxing, laser and dermabrasion should be avoided until six months after the course ends.
Pack sizes and storage
Isotroin 5 mg comes in strips of 10 soft gelatin capsules and is sold in packs of 30, 60 or 90, from $36.40. Store below 86°F (30°C) in the original strip, away from light and moisture.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 mg a full dose?
For most adults it is well below the standard range, so it is usually part of a combination or a specialist low-dose plan.
What other Isotroin strengths are there?
Isotroin 10 mg and Isotroin 20 mg are common choices; see the Isotroin range.
What if my acne is mild?
Topical retinoids usually come first; our tretinoin for acne guide explains them.
General information, not a substitute for medical advice. Isotroin 5 mg is a prescription medicine that must be supervised by a dermatologist.