isotretinoin

noun iso·tret·i·noin \ ˌī-sō-ˈtre-tə-ˌnȯin \

|Updated on: 25 May 2018

Definition of isotretinoin

: 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

Recent Examples of isotretinoin from the Web

But mental health effects from isotretinoin are now being cited in the trial of a 15-year-old charged with first-degree murder and 10 other counts in the alleged stabbing of a 20-year-old woman in Colorado last year.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Isotretinoin, the Drug Formerly Known as Accutane, May Be Cited in Upcoming Murder Trial," 2 Mar. 2018
This isn't the first time the finger has been pointed at the link between isotretinoin and mental health in a court case.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "Acne Drug Commonly Known as Accutane May Be Cited in a Murder Case," 2 Mar. 2018
Quite a bit more troublesome is that isotretinoin is linked to birth defects.

— sarah klein, Health.com, "The Truth About Scary Accutane Side Effects," 28 Feb. 2018
Teen Vogue has reached out to the teen's legal team and Hoffman-La Roche, manufacturers of isotretinoin, for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "Acne Drug Commonly Known as Accutane May Be Cited in a Murder Case," 2 Mar. 2018
Those familiar with isotretinoin, the drug formerly known under the brand name Accutane — a heavy-duty prescription acne medication — are probably also familiar with the drug's potential side effects, which include some serious warnings.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Isotretinoin, the Drug Formerly Known as Accutane, May Be Cited in Upcoming Murder Trial," 2 Mar. 2018
The most common side effects of isotretinoin are not the type of attention-grabbing symptoms making headlines.

— sarah klein, Health.com, "The Truth About Scary Accutane Side Effects," 28 Feb. 2018
Studies of the drug performed over the last decade have suggested links between isotretinoin and anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and even psychosis.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Isotretinoin, the Drug Formerly Known as Accutane, May Be Cited in Upcoming Murder Trial," 2 Mar. 2018
According to Newsweek, the teen's lawyers have hinted in court that isotretinoin may be cited to explain their client's actions.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "Acne Drug Commonly Known as Accutane May Be Cited in a Murder Case," 2 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'isotretinoin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of isotretinoin

1979

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

isotretinoin

noun iso·tret·i·noin \ ˌī-sō-ˈtret-ə-ˌnȯin \

medical Definition of isotretinoin

: 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