What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Isotretinoin and tetracycline
Tetracycline's FDA label of March 18, 2025 names isotretinoin in its warnings section; the isotretinoin labels PlainMeds reads (2) do not name tetracycline.
Check it at the source: the isotretinoin FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 19, 2026, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.); the tetracycline FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 18, 2025, Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc.).
What does the isotretinoin label say about tetracycline?
Isotretinoin's label (effective August 19, 2026) and its 1 other brand-application label do not name tetracycline in these sections. A label lists what its studies and reports found; it is not a complete list.
Source: FDA drug label (Absorica LD), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., effective August 19, 2026 (SPL set 3ef0cff8-19c1-4441-b780-fca6c7ee1615), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the tetracycline label say about isotretinoin?
Tetracycline label, warningsConcomitant use of isotretinoin and tetracycline should be avoided because isotretinoin, a systemic retinoid, is also known to cause pseudotumor cerebri.
Source: FDA drug label (tetracycline hydrochloride), Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective March 18, 2025 (SPL set eaa5b1bd-0927-46e4-b941-32fcc492d258), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Isotretinoin | Tetracycline | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Acne | Bacterial infections |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $11.94 per capsule 10 mg capsule | $0.247 per capsule 250 mg capsule |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once