
Does Accutane Effect The Rate At Which Alcohol Is Broken Down In The Body?

Question: I want to know if taking accutane can effect the rate at which alcohol is broken down in the body?
Brief Answer:
alcohol should be avoided while taking accutane
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Alcohol intake should be avoided while on treatment as isotretinoin (accutane) is metabolized (broken down) by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are induced by ethanol, resulting in reduced efficacy of accutane.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Let me give you a little more detail so you can answer my question more correctly.
I was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence last weekend and I drank 6 drinks in 8 hrs and my blood alcohol was .09. I am a 42 year old male weighing 185 Lbs. What I want to know is if taking accutane can inhibit the breakdown of alcohol, which would help explain how my blood alcohol content was so high after consuming only 6 drinks?
Brief Answer:
Please refer below
Detailed Answer:
As I mentioned, alcohol influences metabolism of accutane, NOT the reverse.
Hence your blood alcohol level was not influenced by accutane. Alcohol metabolism varies a lot among individuals and thus two persons consuming same amount of alcohol within same time may have entirely different blood alcohol levels. Also from medical point of view, 6 drinks is not considered 'only'.
It is actually a lot of alcohol!
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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