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Isotretinoin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Isotretinoin Spironolactone Doxycycline
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Isotretinoin Spironolactone Doxycycline
Prescription only

Prescribed for Rosacea, Acne, Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia, Granuloma Annulare, Pityriasis rubra pilaris, Melanoma - Metastatic. Isotretinoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. View more

Prescription only

Spironolactone is a diuretic that may be used to remove excess fluid (edema) from the body, lower blood pressure, or treat hyperaldosteronism. It does not cause potassium loss from the body; however... View more

Prescription only

Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic that treats a wide range of infections. However, it is not usually recommended for children aged less than eight or pregnant women in the last half of their... View more

More about Isotretinoin More about Spironolactone More about Doxycycline
Ratings & Reviews

Isotretinoin has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 1060 ratings on Drugs.com. 73% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 13% reported a negative effect.

Spironolactone has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 703 ratings on Drugs.com. 58% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect.

Doxycycline has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 1635 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 27% reported a negative effect.

View all 1060 reviews

View all 703 reviews

View all 1635 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

View all Isotretinoin side effects

View all Spironolactone side effects

View all Doxycycline side effects
Drug Class
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 each
Strength 25 mg
Per unit* $25.96 - $32.28
Cost* $778.71 - $968.48

View all Isotretinoin prices

Quantity 100 each
Strength 25 mg
Per unit* $0.23 - $0.25
Cost* $23.10 - $25.17

View all Spironolactone prices

Quantity 2 tablet
Strength hyclate 100 mg
Per unit* $6.62
Cost* $13.23

View all Doxycycline prices

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Dosage Forms
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral suspension
  • Oral tablet
  • Injectable powder for injection
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral delayed release capsule
  • Oral delayed release tablet
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names
Absorica, Absorica LD, Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Sotret, Zenatane Aldactone, CaroSpir Acticlate, Adoxa, Adoxa CK, Adoxa Pak, Adoxa TT, Alodox, Avidoxy, Doryx, Doryx MPC, Doxy 100, Doxy 200, Doxy-Caps, Doxy-D, LymePak, Mondoxyne NL, Monodox, Morgidox, Okebo, Oracea, Oraxyl, Targadox, Uracil, Vibramycin View more
Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

32 hours

37 hours

23 hours
CSA Schedule 1 View glossary of CSA terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 140 drugs are known to interact with Isotretinoin:

  • 24 major drug interactions (95 brand and generic names)
  • 116 moderate drug interactions (825 brand and generic names)

A total of 382 drugs are known to interact with Spironolactone:

  • 51 major drug interactions (248 brand and generic names)
  • 311 moderate drug interactions (1488 brand and generic names)
  • 20 minor drug interactions (145 brand and generic names)

A total of 226 drugs are known to interact with Doxycycline:

  • 22 major drug interactions (60 brand and generic names)
  • 199 moderate drug interactions (2220 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (21 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Ask your doctor before using ISOtretinoin together with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while you... View more
  • Spironolactone and alcohol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may... View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

May 07, 1982

January 21, 1960

December 05, 1967
WADA Class View classifications

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient Resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

1 The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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