ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/isotretinoin
US brand names:Accutane, Claravis
Isotretinoin is dosed at 1–2 mg/kg PO q24h in dogs, per Werner AH, Power HT: Retinoids in veterinary dermatology. Clin Dermatol 12(4):579-586, 1994. doi:10.1016/0738-081x(94)90226-7 — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.152 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
13-cis-retinoic acid that decreases sebaceous gland size and sebum production. Normalizes follicular keratinization and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Highly teratogenic — do not use in pregnant or breeding animals. Causes keratoconjunctivitis sicca, hepatotoxicity, and hyperostosis. Monitor tear production, liver enzymes, and triglycerides.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q24h | Moderate | Werner AH, Power HT: Retinoids in veterinary dermatology. Clin Dermatol 12(4):579-586, 1994. doi:10.1016/0738-081x(94)90226-7 — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.152 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12h-q24h | Moderate | White SD, Rosychuk RA, Scott KV, et al: Sebaceous adenitis in dogs and results of treatment with isotretinoin and etretinate: 30 cases (1990-1994). J Am Vet Med Assoc 207(2):197-200, 1995. — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.591 (2026-08-01). |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.