Accutane Cumulative Dose Calculator
Calculate the cumulative dose of isotretinoin (Accutane) to determine if treatment meets the recommended 120-150 mg/kg threshold for effective acne therapy.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the patient's weight in kilograms
- Input the daily isotretinoin dose in milligrams
- Specify the treatment duration in days
- Optionally, enter any cumulative dose already received
- Click Calculate to see the total cumulative dose and if it meets the recommended range
Formula Used
Cumulative Dose = Daily Dose × Treatment Days
Cumulative Dose per kg = Cumulative Dose ÷ Weight
Where:
- Daily Dose = The amount of isotretinoin taken each day (mg)
- Treatment Days = Total number of days of treatment
- Weight = Patient's body weight (kg)
- Recommended Range = 120-150 mg/kg cumulative dose
Example Calculation
Real-World Scenario:
A 70 kg patient is prescribed 40 mg of isotretinoin daily for 180 days (approximately 6 months).
Given:
- Weight = 70 kg
- Daily Dose = 40 mg
- Treatment Duration = 180 days
Calculation:
Cumulative Dose = 40 mg × 180 days = 7200 mg
Cumulative Dose per kg = 7200 mg ÷ 70 kg = 102.86 mg/kg
Result: The cumulative dose of 102.86 mg/kg is below the recommended range of 120-150 mg/kg. The treatment should be extended to reach the optimal cumulative dose.
Why This Calculation Matters
Clinical Significance
- Reaching the optimal cumulative dose reduces the risk of acne relapse
- Studies show that doses below 120 mg/kg have higher relapse rates
- Helps determine if treatment course is adequate
Treatment Planning
- Helps dermatologists plan appropriate treatment duration
- Allows for dose adjustments based on patient response
- Provides a clear endpoint for therapy
Common Mistakes & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your dermatologist or healthcare provider regarding your Accutane treatment. Dosage decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient factors.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology - Isotretinoin (Accutane) Treatment Guidelines - Clinical guidelines for isotretinoin therapy
- Cumulative Isotretinoin Dose and Acne Relapse: A Systematic Review - Research on optimal cumulative dosing
- Isotretinoin Dosing and Outcomes: A Review of the Literature - Review of dosing strategies and outcomes
Accuracy Notice
This calculator provides an estimate of cumulative isotretinoin dose based on the information provided. It does not account for individual variations in metabolism, absorption, or treatment interruptions. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for your treatment.
About the Author
Kumaravel Madhavan
Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.