Page 1243 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

supplements should be discontinued
during therapy)
b. In addition to acne, it is used to treat
wrinkles and psoriasis.
c. Can cause itching, burning, and dry
skin and sensitizes the skin to UV light
4. Azelaic acid can cause burning, itching, stinging, and
redness of the skin; it can also cause
hypopigmentation of the skin in clients with a dark
complexion.
D. Oral antibiotics
1. Includes doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline,
erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,
cephalosporins, penicillins
2. Improvement develops slowly with the use of oral
antibiotics and may take 3 to 6 months for some
improvement to be noted; after control of symptoms,
the client is usually switched to a topical antibiotic.

E. Isotretinoin

1. Derivative of vitamin A (vitamin A supplements
should be discontinued during therapy); in addition,
the use of tetracyclines can increase the risk of
adverse effects and should be discontinued before use
of isotretinoin.
2. Used to treat severe cystic acne; reserved for persons
who have not responded to other therapies, including
systemic antibiotics
3. Side and adverse effects include nosebleeds;
inflammation of the lips or eyes; dryness or itching of
the skin, nose, or mouth; pain, tenderness, or stiffness
in the joints, bones, or muscles; and back pain.
4. Less common side and adverse effects include rash,
hair loss, peeling of the skin, headache, and reduction
in night vision.
5. Causes sensitization of the skin to UV light
6. The medication elevates triglyceride levels, which
should be measured before and during therapy;
alcohol consumption should be eliminated during
therapy because alcohol could potentiate elevation of
serum triglyceride levels.
7. The medication may cause depression in some clients;
if depression occurs, the medication should be
discontinued.

Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic and can cause fetal

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