Isotretinoin and Alcohol/Food Interactions
There are 3 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin Alcohol (Ethanol)
Moderate Drug Interaction
Ask your doctor before using ISOtretinoin together with ethanol. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking ISOtretinoin. You may have unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Isotretinoin High Cholesterol (Hyperlipoproteinemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Sitosterolemia)
Moderate Potential Hazard, High plausibility
retinoids - elevated serum triglycerides
The use of retinoids is associated with elevations in serum triglycerides and cholesterol, and decreases in HDL. In addition to cardiovascular risks, elevation of serum triglycerides to greater than 800 mg/dL has been associated with fatal fulminant pancreatitis. Patients at increased risk for developing hypertriglyceridemia during retinoid therapy include those with diabetes mellitus, obesity, high alcohol consumption, or a family history of these conditions. Blood lipid determinations should be performed prior to initiation of therapy and at 1- to 2- week intervals until the lipid response to the drug is established (usually 4 to 8 weeks). Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during retinoid therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.
Isotretinoin Obesity
Moderate Potential Hazard, High plausibility
retinoids - elevated serum triglycerides
The use of retinoids is associated with elevations in serum triglycerides and cholesterol, and decreases in HDL. In addition to cardiovascular risks, elevation of serum triglycerides to greater than 800 mg/dL has been associated with fatal fulminant pancreatitis. Patients at increased risk for developing hypertriglyceridemia during retinoid therapy include those with diabetes mellitus, obesity, high alcohol consumption, or a family history of these conditions. Blood lipid determinations should be performed prior to initiation of therapy and at 1- to 2- week intervals until the lipid response to the drug is established (usually 4 to 8 weeks). Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during retinoid therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.
Isotretinoin drug interactions
There are 135 drug interactions with isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin disease interactions
There are 5 disease interactions with isotretinoin which include:
- intracranial hypertension
- psychiatric disorders
- osteoporosis
- elevated serum triglycerides
- liver disease
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Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
