Bilateral Chalazion, Conjunctivitis, and Hordeolum Associated with Systemic Consumption of Isotretinoin: A Case Report

Several adverse effects (AEs) such as ocular AEs have been reported following systemic consumption of isotretinoin. Here, we report a case of bilateral chalazion, conjunctivitis, and hordeolum associated with systemic isotretinoin.

A 20-year-old girl was treated with oral isotretinoin because of severe inflammatory acne, and developed bilateral chalazion, conjunctivitis, and hordeolum about 4.5 months after initiation of treatment. Two weeks after cessation of oral isotretinoin, patient’s eye condition improved. However, after re-initiation of oral isotretinoin treatment with a reduced dose, her conjunctivitis relapsed; therefore, the treatment was once again terminated.

 Since the patient’s condition was bilateral, recovered after cessation of therapy; and once again, relapsed after re-initiation. It was most likely a complication of the medication and not a coincidence.