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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Oct 9, 2024 | 12:40 PM IST
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics. It contains Isotretinoin, a form of vitamin A, which works by reducing sebum (skin's natural oil) production on the skin's surface by decreasing the activity and size of sebaceous glands. Thereby, unblocks pores and kills acne-causing bacteria. Some people may experience chapped lips, dryness of skin, eyes, nose, or lips. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.
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Prescription drug

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Prescription drug
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Manufacturer/Marketer

Austen Biologicals

Consume Type

ORAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Jan-27

for this medicine

About Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A) primarily used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics. Nodular acne is severe acne that occurs due to excessive production of oil in the skin cells, causing swollen, red and tender lumps in the skin. Acne nodules are larger in size than typical pimples. 

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule contains 'isotretinoin', a form of vitamin A that works by reducing sebum (skin's natural oil) production on the skin's surface by decreasing the activity and size of sebaceous glands. Thereby unblocks pores and kills acne-causing bacteria.

Take Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to take Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule based on your medical condition. Some people may experience chapped lips, dryness of skin, eyes, nose, or lips. Most of these side effects of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not take Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause adverse effects on the baby. If you have depression or any suicidal thoughts while taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule or after stopping treatment with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule , please consult a doctor. Avoid sun exposure while using Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.

Uses of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule

Treatment of Nodular acne

Medicinal Benefits

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to treat a severe form of acne. Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule reduces sebum (skin's natural oil) production on the skin's surface by decreasing the activity and size of sebaceous glands. Thereby unblocking pores and killing acne-causing bacteria. Also, Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule reduces swelling in the skin.

Directions for Use

Take Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule with food or as advised by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule

  • Chapped lips

  • Dryness of skin, eyes, nose or lips

Drug Warnings

Do not take Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause adverse effects in the baby. If you have depression or any suicidal thoughts while taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule or after stopping treatment with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule , please consult a doctor. Avoid sun exposure while using Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Do not undergo any cosmetic procedures while taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule and for a minimum of 6 months after stopping treatment with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as it may increase the risk of scarring. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, hypervitaminosis A (high levels of vitamin A), liver or heart problems, weak bones, osteoporosis (bone loss), anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder where people eat too little), any mental problems such as psychosis (loss of contact with reality) or depression before taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule .

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule may interact with anticonvulsants (phenytoin), antibiotics (doxycycline, demeclocycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, eravacycline), vitamins (vitamin A).

Drug-Food Interaction: Do not use Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule with St. John's Wort (a herbal supplement used to treat depression) as it may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive pills, raising the risk of pregnancy.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have asthma, diabetes, liver or heart problems, hypervitaminosis A (high levels of vitamin A), weak bones, osteoporosis (bone loss), anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder where people eat too little), any mental problems such as psychosis (loss of contact with reality) or depression before taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule .

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • PHENYTOIN
  • DOXYCYCLINE
  • TETRACYCLINE
  • DEMECLOCYCLINE
  • MINOCYCLINE
  • OXYTETRACYCLINE
  • ERAVACYCLINE
  • VITAMIN A

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn't clear acne. Take a shower immediately after finishing exercise as sweat may irritate acne.

  • Avoid sun exposure while using Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.

  • Do regular hair wash and avoid contact of hair with the face.

  • Remove the make-up completely before going to bed.

Special Advise

  • Regular blood tests are recommended before and while taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule to monitor liver functioning.

  • Do not donate blood while taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule and for one month after stopping Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule .

  • Do not squeeze, pop or pick spots as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Nodular acne: It is severe acne that occurs due to excessive production of oil in the skin cells causing swollen, red and tender lumps in the skin which can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. The sebum inhibits sebaceous glands and stops oil from flowing out freely causing accumulation of sebum under the skin which increases the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Acne nodules are larger in size than typical pimples and affect the deeper layers of skin. Nodular acne can occur on the back, face and the body. If they are left untreated, it may cause permanent scars. The symptoms include long-lasting painful blemishes that feel like hard knots under the skin.

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Alcohol

Unsafe

Avoid consumption of alcohol with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause a rise in cholesterol levels.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is a Category X pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women as it may cause severe birth defects. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Please consult a doctor before using Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule while breastfeeding.

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Driving

Caution

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule may cause reduced night vision in some patients. Therefore, drive only if you alert after taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule .

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Liver

Unsafe

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is usually not recommended for patients with impaired liver function. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.

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Children

Unsafe

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.

Country of origin

India
Other Info - ZIT0173

Author Details

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FAQs

Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics.
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule may cause decreased night vision temporarily or permanently in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule to experience this side effect. Avoid driving after taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule if you are unable to see in the dark and consult a doctor if you notice any changes in vision or have painful or persistent dry eyes.
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule may increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn.
No, you are not recommended to undergo any cosmetic procedures to smoothen your skin including waxing, laser procedures or dermabrasion (an exfoliating technique to remove outer layers of skin with a rotating instrument) while taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule and for minimum 6 months after stopping treatment with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as it may increase the risk of scarring.
You are not recommended to take vitamin A supplements with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule as it may cause hypervitaminosis A (excessive levels of vitamin A in the body) leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines or supplements with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule .
No, Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause severe birth defects. Also, it is advised to use effective contraceptive measures before, while taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule and after 1 month of stopping treatment with Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule . However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding before taking Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule .
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is safe to use if prescribed by the doctor. Use Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule exactly as advised by the doctor as it is associated with adverse effects.
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is not a steroid. It is a retinoid used to treat severe nodular acne.
Pregnancy tests, lipid profile tests, liver function tests, blood glucose tests, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) tests are recommended tests during Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule treatment.
In most cases the effect of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is permanent. Isotretinoin is clinically effective anti-acne therapy that shows significant improvement in many patients.
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule does not cause cancer. In fact, isotretinoin slows the growth of cancer cells by activating protein receptors in cells, including cancer cells.
Long-term use of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule , even in low doses, has not been studied and is not recommended. Hence, long-term side effects of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule have not been established.
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule is not known to affect male fertility.
Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule might elevate liver enzymes. Therefore, regular liver function tests are advised.
Side effects of Zitsten-20 Softgel Capsule include chapped lips and dry skin, eyes, nose, or lips. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

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