A new study published in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology investigated the effect of oral isotretinoin treatment on muscle strength. In addition, the correlation between the serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level – a specific marker of muscle breakdown, and muscle strength was evaluated.

Here, 30 patients presenting with acne vulgaris were included and were started on oral isotretinoin treatment; 30 patients in the control group were given local treatment. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle strengths of the non-dominant side were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer, and the peak torque (PT) values were recorded. In the isotretinoin group, isokinetic measurements were taken after the completion of the six-month drug course, and compared with the initial PT values.

The results showed no significant difference between the isotretinoin and control groups, in muscle strength at baseline. While there was no significant change in hamstring and quadriceps PT values in the isotretinoin group after six months of treatment compared to baseline. Additionally, a statistically significant correlation could not be found between the serum CPK level and hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength.

From the results, it was inferred that oral isotretinoin doesnt alter muscle strength. Furthermore, there is no relationship between the serum CPK levels and muscle strength.

Source: BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2021 Mar 20;22(1):17. doi: 10.1186/s40360-021-00483-0.