Oral Vitamin A for Acne Management: A Possible Substitute for Isotretinoin

Recent changes to the iPLEDGE platform left providers without the ability to prescribe isotretinoin to their patients. A potential substitute for isotretinoin could be beneficial when the drug is unavailable. Prior to the FDA approval of isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, vitamin A was studied for its use in acne management.

To review the potential of vitamin A to serve as a substitute for isotretinoin when the latter drug is inaccessible.

We conducted a review of published literature from 1931 to 2021, regarding the use of vitamin A in acne treatment, using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Nine studies were selected after reviewing articles for relevancy to our topic.

Eight out of the 9 studies noted improvement in patients’ acne with vitamin A use. Ranges of doses used were 36,000 I/U daily to 500,000 I/U daily, with 100,000 I/U daily being the most common. Side effects were mainly mucocutaneous in nature.

Many of the trials included in our review were published over 50 years prior and lack standardized components of clinical trials today.

Oral vitamin A could potentially serve as a substitute for isotretinoin in acne management for select patients. However, due to its teratogenicity, potential for toxicity, and long half-life, strict monitoring under the care of a medical provider is prudent. Since vitamin A is available without a prescription, strict monitoring cannot be assured, and especially careful patient selection and education would be essential. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(6):683-686. doi:10.36849/JDD.6781.