Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Isotretinoin

Systemic retinoid (severe acne)

Brand names: Accutane, Claravis

Oral health effects

  • Cheilitis, dry/cracked lips & mucosal dryness

    Marked dryness of the lips (cheilitis) and oral mucosa is nearly universal; gingival bleeding and dryness also occur.

    Mechanism: Retinoid effect on epithelial differentiation and sebaceous/mucous secretion.

    Clinical management: Lip emollients, hydration, gentle hygiene; expect mucosal fragility; effects resolve after therapy.

Sources

  1. Adverse drug events in the oral cavity. Yuan A, Woo SB. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2015.