Efectos secundarios de la isotretinoína en el tratamiento del acné vulgar: una revisión narrativa

Maritza Johanna Enríquez-Enríquez

doi:10.17533/udea.iatreia.358

Authors

Maritza Johanna Enríquez-Enríquez Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0780-8637

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iatreia.358

Keywords:

Acne Vulgaris, Isotretinoin, Retinoids, Skin Diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Isotretinoin is a potent retinoid agent with significant therapeutic potential for the management of acne vulgaris; however, its side effects limit its application.

Objective: To describe the most relevant adverse effects of isotretinoin as part of the management of acne vulgaris, especially those that generate controversy among researchers.

Methods: A literature review was conducted in English and Spanish for articles published between 2019 and 2025 in ScienceDirect, PubMed, SciELO, and Elsevier databases. After removing duplicate entries and irrelevant information, 35 articles were included in this analysis.

Results: Isotretinoin can cause teratogenicity, inflammatory bowel disease, mucocutaneous, ocular, and musculoskeletal reactions, alterations in blood tests, and occasionally fulminant acne as significant side effects. Neuropsychiatric adverse effects related to isotretinoin are inconclusive.

Conclusions: To optimize the therapeutic use of isotretinoin, it is necessary to identify the conditions that contribute to the appearance of these adverse reactions, as well as their severity and management, to improve the patient's experience during treatment.

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Author Biography

Maritza Johanna Enríquez-Enríquez, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador

General Practitioner, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador.

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