isotretinoin

noun

iso·​tret·​i·​noin ˌī-sō-ˈtre-tə-ˌnȯin How to pronounce isotretinoin (audio)
: a cis isomer of retinoic acid that is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, inhibits sebaceous gland function and keratinization, and is used in the treatment of severe inflammatory acne but is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its implication as a cause of birth defects

Examples of isotretinoin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Patients will be screened for possible signs of depression or suicidal ideation before isotretinoin is prescribed. Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 Accutane was a popular brand name for isotretinoin that is no longer available in the U.S. Other brands of prescription isotretinoin are still used, including Claravis, Absorica, Amnesteem and Zenatane. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 Accutane is a type of isotretinoin that is no longer available. Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025 Oral acne medication Accutane is an oral form of isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, that is used to treat severe acne. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for isotretinoin

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isotretinoin was in 1979

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Cite this Entry

“Isotretinoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isotretinoin. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

isotretinoin

noun
iso·​tret·​i·​noin ˌī-sō-ˈtret-ə-ˌnȯin How to pronounce isotretinoin (audio)
: a cis isomer of retinoic acid that is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, that inhibits sebaceous gland function and keratinization, and that is administered in the treatment of severe inflammatory acne but is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its implication as a cause of birth defects

called also 13-cis-retinoic acid, retinoic acid

see accutane
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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