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Doxycycline and isotretinoin safety — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardAdverse Drug Reactions and Drug SafetyDoxycycline and isotretinoin safetyGPhC CRA

A 24-year-old man is prescribed doxycycline 100mg twice daily for acne. He works outdoors and is going on holiday to Spain next week. He also takes isotretinoin bought privately from abroad. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: D — Avoid combining doxycycline with isotretinoin and seek prescriber review

Tetracyclines with isotretinoin can increase risk of intracranial hypertension, and doxycycline also causes photosensitivity. The privately sourced isotretinoin raises safety and monitoring concerns. The pharmacist should advise prescriber review and sun protection rather than routine supply without discussion.

Reference: BNF; MHRA