Low-Dose Isotretinoin

Continuous high-dose treatment was slightly more effective, but lower and intermittent doses were also effective against moderate acne.

Isotretinoin effectively treats acne vulgaris. The standard dose is 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg/kg/day for 16 to 32 weeks, usually aiming for a total dose of 120 mg/kg. Lower doses work, too. Investigators conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded clinical trial to compare results with the traditional dose and two lower-dose regimens.

Sixty Korean patients with “moderate” acne were randomized to one of three treatment regimens: continuous high-dose isotretinoin (0.5 mg–0.7 mg/kg/day), continuous low-dose isotretinoin (0.25–0.4 mg/kg/day), or intermittent high-dose isotretinoin (0.5–0.7 mg/kg/day for 1 week out of every 4). The study lasted 24 weeks. Evaluations occurred at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Acne was graded for seve…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)