Currently, not only teenagers, but also adults are faced with the problem of pimples and acne. Most often, unpleasant rashes appear due to internal problems in the body. To cleanse the skin and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, you can use special external medications. Isotrexin gel has proven itself to be a truly effective remedy thanks to two active ingredients in its composition. Instructions for use, composition and reviews of this drug will be discussed in the article.
pharmachologic effect
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. The substance blocks the synthesis of microbial proteins, binds to ribosomal subunits and inhibits the translocation of peptides from the acceptor site of the ribosome to the donor site. By this, erythromycin prevents further synthesis of the polypeptide. When treating acne, it reduces the population of propionibacteria acne and prevents the release of inflammatory mediators by microorganisms.
Isotretinoin is a vitamin A that regulates the growth and differentiation of epithelial cells. When used systematically, it inhibits the activity of the sebaceous glands and reduces the production of sebum. It also affects the formation of comedones, inhibits propionibacteria acne, reduces the inflammatory process, and inhibits follicular keratinization.
Based on the fact that in most cases acne consists of inflammatory areas and comedones, therapy with a combination drug, which includes erythromycin and isotretinoin, is the most effective. Isotrexin is effective for the treatment of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions. Isotretinoin is effective for treating the comedonal phase of the disease, and erythromycin relieves inflammatory foci.
"Isotrexin" - what kind of drug?
When the sebaceous gland is blocked, a small inflammation appears on the skin. Such a cosmetic defect does not look very nice. Experts recommend looking for the cause of this phenomenon in the functioning of internal organs. Most often, acne appears due to dysfunction of the digestive tract and endocrine system.
In order to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease, ointments and creams with an antiseptic effect should be used. Isotrexin has helped many people in treating acne. The instructions classify it as an antimicrobial drug that can have anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and antiseborrheic effects. The drug contains several strong components that can effectively fight pimples and acne.
Side effects
The following side effects may occur during treatment with Isotrexin:
- From the immune system – allergic reactions.
- On the skin - itching, pain or burning at the site of application, irritation, dryness, erythema, tingling sensation. Patients also note the presence of hyperpigmentation, thinning of the skin, peeling, and photosensitivity reactions.
- From the gastrointestinal tract – diarrhea.
If significant irritation develops during treatment, use of the drug should be discontinued. Therapy can be continued only after the reaction disappears. If irritation persists, treatment is stopped completely. It usually disappears after stopping use of Isotrexin.
The gel contains butylated hydroxytoluene. It can cause local reactions: contact dermatitis, irritation of mucous membranes, eyes.
Compound
The drug contains two active ingredients - erythromycin (20 mg) and isotretinoin (500 mg). The first component is antibacterial and can have a detrimental effect on streptococci and propionic bacteria - the main causative agents of acne. An antibacterial substance from the macrolide category inhibits protein synthesis of pathogenic microorganisms.
Isotretinoin is a substance that is similar in pharmacological activity and structure to vitamin A. This retinoid has a direct effect on the growth of epithelial cells. The component, like other vitamin A derivatives, can somewhat inhibit the functioning of the sebaceous glands. When microcomedones form, the retinoid has an inhibitory effect from the inside. Isotretinoin also has anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and antiseborrheic effects.
Use of the drug
Isotrexin is applied to the damaged area of skin in a thin layer 1-2 times a day. Before application, it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly, remove makeup, and clean the application area well.
Duration of treatment is 6-8 weeks. Only during this time can the full therapeutic effect be achieved.
After applying the gel, you can apply makeup.
Excessive application of the drug does not lead to a speedy recovery and does not provide better treatment results. This may result in skin redness, peeling or discomfort. If such reactions occur, you should stop using the drug for several days.
Who is suitable for Isotrexin (gel)?
Reviews indicate that the topical product effectively eliminates skin rashes associated with adolescence. This problem especially worries young girls. The complex effect of a retinoid and an antibiotic has a positive effect on the condition of the skin by inhibiting the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and reducing the fat content of the dermis. It is for the treatment of teenage acne that Isotrexin can be used. According to the instructions, it is suitable for children over 12 years old.
If acne occurs frequently in adults, the cause of this pathological phenomenon should first be discovered. Typically, treatment in this case requires complex treatment. When choosing products for topical use, special attention should be paid to preparations based on retinoids. Isotrexin gel belongs to such products.
Overdose
Acute cases of drug overdose are not reported in the instructions.
If the medicine is taken without the indications described in the instructions for use and the doctor’s recommendations, symptoms of an overdose of vitamin A may occur. This may include headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, itching, and irritation.
Treatment of overdoses is carried out in accordance with the clinical condition of the patient or recommendations for the treatment of poisoning, if any.
Applying the gel correctly
The medication is used exclusively for external use. To achieve a positive result of therapy, you must adhere to the recommendations specified in the instructions. The gel should be applied in a thin layer to the surface of the dermis. Moreover, it should cover not only the inflamed areas of the skin, but also the areas adjacent to them.
The product should be used no more than twice a day. A positive result after starting treatment can be noticed within 4-5 days: inflammation becomes significantly less, pimples dry out, and oily shine decreases. According to reviews, it is necessary to complete the course of treatment – 1.5-2 months. It is worth considering that the medicine still contains an antibiotic, so after 8 weeks you should take a break from therapy.
One tube of the external remedy “Isotrexin” (gel, 30 g - the amount of the drug in the package) is quite enough for a course of treatment. After consultation with a dermatologist, therapy can be repeated to consolidate the result.
The gel can be applied to the skin of the face, back, and shoulders. The product will cope with mild to moderate acne. The drug must be used before applying cosmetics. By the way, experts recommend stopping the use of decorative cosmetics that clog pores during treatment.
special instructions
Contact of Isotrexin with mucous membranes, eyes, and oral cavity should be avoided. Also, do not apply the gel to areas with eczematous skin lesions and excoriations.
Sensitive areas, such as the neck, are treated with caution. It is necessary to avoid the accumulation of medicine in the corners of the nose and folds of the skin.
It should also be used with caution in patients with concomitant rosacea and perioral dermatitis. Cannot be used by children who have not reached puberty.
Exposure to sunlight should be avoided or minimized; Isotrexin may cause a hypersensitivity reaction. If it is impossible to avoid sunlight, you need to use drugs with UV protection and wear clothing that protects the areas of the skin on which the gel is applied.
Use with caution with other drugs for topical treatment of acne. If irritation occurs, you need to reduce the frequency of application or completely interrupt the treatment. Therapy is resumed after symptoms disappear.
Indications for use
The instructions for the drug “Isotrexin” (gel) recommend using it for local treatment of acne of varying severity and pimples if necessary. A drug for topical application will be completely powerless for comedones and post-acne.
With regular application of a product containing a retinoid, it is possible to quickly normalize sebum production and eliminate oily skin. Thanks to its antibacterial effect, the gel effectively prevents the formation of acne and inflammation.
Side effects
Isotrexin is generally well tolerated. In rare cases, at the site of application of the drug, there may be a slight tingling sensation, irritation, peeling, burning and redness of the skin at the site of application of the gel.
If you are intolerant or hypersensitive to one or another component of the drug, there is a possibility of developing photosensitivity and allergic reactions.
Butylated hydroxytoluene, which is part of Isotrexin as an auxiliary component, can cause local reactions (including contact dermatitis), and if it comes into contact with mucous membranes and eyes, it can cause irritation.
Cases of drug overdose have not been reported to date. But given that the gel is intended exclusively for external use, this probability is minimal. Accidental ingestion of Isotrexin may lead to the development of symptoms of vitamin A overdose, which is manifested, among other things, by severe headache, drowsiness, nausea and/or vomiting, and nervousness. Treatment tactics are selected depending on the degree of intoxication and the clinical condition of the patient.
Contraindications
The remedy for eliminating pimples and acne is not suitable for all people who want to get rid of cosmetic problems. First of all, this applies to people who are intolerant or allergic to the components in the medicine. According to the instructions, contraindications also include:
- age up to 12 years;
- presence of sunburn on the skin;
- pregnancy, period of feeding the baby;
- allergy to antibacterial substances from the macrolide group;
- eczema.
Preliminary skin preparation
Before applying the healing gel, the skin must be cleaned of impurities. To do this, you can use a mild cleansing tonic. If you neglect this condition, the result of treatment will be almost invisible. It is difficult for the active components of the medicine to penetrate the epidermis through the layer of sebum and impurities.
It is better to apply the gel in the evening. This is due to the fact that the product makes the skin vulnerable to ultraviolet rays. When using the medicine during the day, you should additionally use sun protection. Isotrexin gel can cause severe peeling of the skin. If a similar situation arises, it is recommended to use moisturizers that will not provoke the appearance of comedones.
