Definition of "isotretinoin" [isotretinoin]

• A synthetic retinoid, C20H28O2, that inhibits sebaceous gland secretion and is used in the treatment of severe forms of acne. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The verdict raises a question: If Accutane (generic name isotretinoin) has such dramatic side effects why is it still on the market?"
• "The risk of birth defects from getting too much vitamin A is also the reason that pregnant women and those trying to conceive should stay away from the prescription acne drug isotretinoin (also known by the brand name Accutane, among others) and other drugs related to retinol (a compound of vitamin A)."
• "Researchers at the Karolinska Institute tracked 5,756 men and women -- whose mean age upon starting to use isotretinoin, interestingly, was 22 and 27, respectively -- during the years before and after their isotretinoin use and during their treatment."