Isotretinoin 20 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Severe acne – nodular or cystic acne, or acne that scars; Moderate acne that has not improved after proper courses of antibiotics and creams.
Listed MRPs range from ₹4.69 to ₹38.10 per capsule across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / capsule | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isotretinoin Capsules IP 20mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹46.88 | ₹4.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Tretiva 20 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹257.81 | ₹25.78 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zitblow 20 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹309.37 | ₹30.94 | 19 October 2026 |
| Isotane 20 | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 | ₹317.80 | ₹31.78 | 19 October 2026 |
| Tretin-Iso 20 | Hegde and Hegde Pharmaceutica LLP | 10 | ₹319.00 | ₹31.90 | 19 October 2026 |
| Acutret 20 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹332.90 | ₹33.29 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sotret 20 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹345.00 | ₹34.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Iso Aret 20 | A. Menarini India Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹348.75 | ₹34.88 | 19 October 2026 |
| Isotroin 20 | Cipla Ltd | 15 | ₹571.57 | ₹38.10 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Severe acne – nodular or cystic acne, or acne that scars.
- Moderate acne that has not improved after proper courses of antibiotics and creams.
- Acne that keeps coming back after other treatments stop.
How to take it
Swallow the capsule whole with a full meal containing some fat (it is absorbed poorly on an empty stomach), once or twice a day exactly as your dermatologist prescribes – the dose is based on your body weight. A course usually lasts 4 to 6 months (often 16 to 24 weeks); do not stop early or change the dose yourself. You will need blood tests for liver function and cholesterol before starting and during treatment. Women who can become pregnant must have a negative pregnancy test before starting and use two reliable contraceptive methods from one month before, throughout, and for one month after the course – isotretinoin causes severe birth defects. Do not donate blood during and for one month after treatment. Expect dry lips and skin; use lip balm, moisturiser and SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Report low mood, unusual thoughts, severe headache, vision changes or stomach pain immediately.
Side effects
Common
- Dry, cracked lips and dry skin, nose and eyes (contact lenses may feel uncomfortable).
- Nosebleeds, sore throat.
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight.
- Muscle and joint aches, headache.
- Acne may get worse in the first few weeks.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Mood changes, depression, thoughts of self-harm – stop and tell your doctor immediately.
- Birth defects and miscarriage – must never be taken in pregnancy.
- Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea (bowel inflammation), pancreatitis.
- Severe headache with vision changes, yellow eyes, or raised cholesterol/liver enzymes on blood tests.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid or strictly limit alcohol – both isotretinoin and alcohol strain the liver and raise blood fats.
Pregnancy
Absolutely contraindicated. Causes serious birth defects even from a single dose. Two forms of contraception, monthly pregnancy tests, and no pregnancy for one month after stopping. Do not breastfeed.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; monitoring may be needed.
Liver problems
Not suitable in liver disease; liver tests are checked before and during treatment.
Children
Not recommended under 12; in teenagers 12 and above only after puberty and under a dermatologist.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember with food unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Tetracycline antibiotics – doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline – NEVER combine; risk of raised pressure in the brain.
- Vitamin A supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A – avoid; adds to toxicity.
- Progestogen-only "mini pills" – may be less reliable; use a second method such as condoms.
- Other acne treatments that dry or peel the skin (benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin cream, chemical peels, waxing, laser) – stop during the course and for 6 months after.
- Methotrexate and other liver-stressing drugs – added liver risk.
- Phenytoin and steroids – can increase the risk of bone thinning.
Frequently asked questions
What is Isotroin 20 used for?
Isotroin contains isotretinoin 20 mg, a vitamin A derivative taken by mouth for severe or scarring acne, or acne that has not responded to antibiotics and creams. It shrinks oil glands and reduces acne long-term, and a single full course clears most people for years.
How long is a course of Isotroin 20?
Usually 4 to 6 months, depending on your weight and the total dose the dermatologist is targeting. Some doctors use a lower daily dose for longer. Do not stop as soon as skin looks clear – finishing the planned total dose is what prevents relapse.
Should Isotroin be taken with food?
Yes, always with a proper meal that includes some fat – such as lunch or dinner – because absorption is poor on an empty stomach. Taking it with food can nearly double how much your body absorbs.
Can I get pregnant while on isotretinoin?
No – this is the most important rule. Isotretinoin causes severe birth defects and miscarriage. Women must use two effective contraceptive methods from a month before starting until a month after stopping, with pregnancy tests before and during treatment. Men do not pass it on through semen in harmful amounts.
Does Isotroin cause depression?
Mood changes, low mood and, rarely, thoughts of self-harm have been reported. Tell your dermatologist about any history of depression before starting. Family members should watch for mood changes, and any such symptom means stopping and seeing the doctor promptly.
Why is my acne worse after starting Sotret?
A flare in the first 2 to 6 weeks is common as the oil glands shrink and old lesions surface. It settles as the course continues. Your doctor may add a short course of other medicine if the flare is severe.
Can I take Isotroin with doxycycline or minocycline?
No. Isotretinoin combined with tetracycline antibiotics can raise pressure inside the skull, causing severe headache and vision problems. Stop any tetracycline before starting isotretinoin.
What blood tests are needed on Isotroin?
Liver function tests and a lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides) before starting and usually after 1 month and then periodically, plus pregnancy tests for women. Blood sugar may also be checked.
Can I drink alcohol or donate blood while on isotretinoin?
Keep alcohol to a minimum – it adds to the liver and cholesterol effects. Do not donate blood during treatment or for one month after, because the blood could be given to a pregnant woman.
Is Isotroin 20 available without prescription?
No. Isotretinoin is a Schedule H medicine with strict pregnancy-prevention requirements and must be taken under a dermatologist with regular blood tests. Never buy it online without a prescription.
Sources
- NHS – Isotretinoin capsules (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms