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Amzeeq vs. Accutane

Are Amzeeq and Accutane the Same Thing?

Amzeeq (minocycline) and Accutane (isotretinoin) are used to treat moderate to severe acne vulgaris.

Amzeeq is a topical preparation and Accutane is taken orally.

The brand name Accutane is discontinued in the U.S., but generic formulations are available.

Amzeeq and Accutane belong to different drug classes. Amzeeq is a tetracycline antibiotic and Accutane is a retinoid.

Side effects of Amzeeq that are different from Accutane include headache and application site reactions (redness, dryness, skin discoloration, peeling, and itching).

Side effects of Accutane that are different from Amzeeq include dry skin, itching, rash, dry nose, nosebleeds, cracks in the corners of the mouth, dry mouth, dry lips, cracking or peeling skin, inflammation of the

whites of the eyes, dry eyes, joint pain, back pain, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, and changes in your fingernails or toenails.

Amzeeq may interact with anticoagulants and penicillin.

Accutane may interact with steroids, seizure medications, and tetracycline antibiotics.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Amzeeq?

Common side effects of Amzeeq include:

  • headache, and
  • application site reactions, including:
    • redness,
    • dryness,
    • skin discoloration,
    • peeling, and
    • itching

    What Are Possible Side Effects of Accutane?

    Common side effects of Accutane include:

    • dry skin,
    • itching,
    • rash,
    • dry nose,
    • nosebleeds,
    • cracks in the corners of the mouth,
    • dry mouth,
    • dry lips,
    • cracking or peeling skin,
    • inflammation of the whites of the eyes,
    • dry eyes,
    • joint pain,
    • back pain,
    • dizziness,
    • drowsiness,
    • nervousness, or
    • changes in your fingernails or toenails.

    What Is Amzeeq?

    Amzeeq (minocycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.

    What Is Accutane?

    Accutane (isotretinoin) is a retinoid used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. The brand name Accutane is discontinued in the U.S., but generic formulations are available.

What Drugs Interact With Amzeeq?

Amzeeq may interact with other medicines such as:

  • anticoagulants, and
  • penicillin

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

What Drugs Interact With Accutane?

Accutane may interact with steroids, seizure medications, or tetracycline antibiotics.

How Should Amzeeq Be Taken?

The dose of Amzeeq is a small amount of topical foam (e.g. a cherry-sized amount) rubbed into acne-affected parts of the face. Repeated as needed until all acne-affected parts of the face are treated. If acne is present on other parts of the body, apply additional amounts of topical foam to these areas. The topical foam should be applied at approximately the same time each day at least 1 hour before bedtime. Do not bathe, shower or swim for at least 1 hour after application of Amzeeq.

How Should Accutane Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Accutane is 0.5 to 2 mg per kg of body weight daily.

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