Erythromycin/isotretinoin (trade name Isotrexin) is a topical gel with two active ingredients: erythromycin 2% w/w and isotretinoin 0.05% w/w with a primary indication for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris.[1][2]
Isotretinoin is a pharmaceutical derivative of retinoic acid (a metabolite of vitamin A). Its mechanism of action is believed to involve reduction in the amount of sebum produced by sebaceous glands on the skin's surface.
Erythromycin is a bacteriostaticmacrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including the inhibition of bacteria linked with acne, such Cutibacterium acnes. The mechanism of action is poorly understood.[3]
Erythromycin/isotretinoin may cause a number of side effects, ranging from very common to rare. Most side effects affect the skin and have only a local effect to the place of application. Some of the side effects are related to vitamin A toxicity.[1]
^Giannopoulos L, Papaparaskevas J, Refene E, Daikos G, Stavrianeas N, Tsakris A (February 2015). "MLST typing of antimicrobial-resistant Propionibacterium acnes isolates from patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris". Anaerobe. Special Issue: Antibiotic resistance of anaerobic bacteria. 31: 50–54. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.10.007. PMID25451716.
