Of the three strengths of
Accutane® (
isotretinoin) on the market, the 10 mg
Accutane capsules are the lowest strength available. A healthcare provider may prescribe Accutane to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments. However, the dose of Accutane your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, such as how you respond to Accutane, your weight, and the severity of your acne.
The typical recommended dose of Accutane is 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kg of body weight (about 0.23 mg to 0.45 mg per pound) each day, divided into two daily doses.
Accutane is typically taken for 15 to 20 weeks. Your acne will continue to improve after you stop taking the medication. A second course may be recommended if your acne is still a problem eight weeks after finishing the first course. It is important to take your Accutane dosage with food, as taking it on an empty stomach significantly decreases its absorption.
(Click Accutane Dosage for more information on using Accutane for treating severe acne. This article also discusses the factors that may affect your dosage and offers tips on effectively using the medication.)
