What is Adapalene?
Adapalene is a topical retinoid of the third generation that is commonly used in the treatment of mild-moderate acne and is also used off-label for the treatment of keratosis pilaris and other skin conditions. It is successful against cases of acne where there are prevailing comedones.
Adapalene Uses
This medication is used to treat acne. The amount and frequency of acne pimples can be reduced, and the healing of growing pimples can be accelerated. Adapalene belongs to the retinoid family of medicines. It works by preventing cell development while also lowering edema and inflammation.
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- Before using this drug, follow product packaging instructions for over-the-counter use. Consult your doctor for any questions. If prescribed, use as directed.
- Apply once daily at bedtime on clean, affected skin with a mild cleanser.
- Clean your hands before and after using this drug whether you are using a gel, cream, or lotion. To add a small amount of medicine to a thin sheet, use your fingertips.
- Stop having this drug on your lips or in your eyes. Do not refer to the area of your inner lip or the nose/mouth inside.
- Initial worsening of acne may occur. Results may take 8-12 weeks.
- Use regularly at the same time daily.
- Avoid excessive use to prevent side effects.
- Different forms are available; consult your doctor.
- Avoid this medication, if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Adapalene Side Effects
- Expect mild warmth or stinging right after applying. Redness, dryness, or worsening acne may occur initially.
- These effects often decrease with continued use. Inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.
- Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions like very red/irritated skin, an extreme burning feeling, redness and watering of the eyes (conjunctivitis), swelling of the eyelids, discoloration of the skin.
- If you experience any signs of any kind of serious allergic reactions, including rashes, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, difficulty breathing, get medical assistance immediately.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to adapalene, vitamin A-related medicines (like isotretinoin), or other substances.
- Discuss your medical history, especially eczema, with your doctor before using adapalene.
- Limit sun exposure and avoid tanning beds/lamps while using this medication. Use sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors.
- Avoid electrolysis, waxing, or chemical depilatories on treated areas.
- Use adapalene cautiously if recently using sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid products.
- Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should not handle or use adapalene due to potential harm to the unborn baby.
Drug Interactions
- Maintain a list of all medications you use, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to prevent interactions or serious side effects.
- Avoid using products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, alcohol, lime, menthol, medicated or abrasive soaps, cleansers, and certain cosmetics without consulting your doctor, as they may interact with this medication.
Note:
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying the medication.
- Some cosmetics and soaps can exacerbate acne.
- Moisturizers labeled "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic" are generally safe.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on safe skincare products.
- Avoid over-washing or scrubbing your skin, as it can irritate and worsen acne.
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Missed Dose
If you are consuming this medication on a daily/regular basis and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you recall it. If it is near to the time of the next dose, don’t take the skipped dose. Do Not double the dose to recover/cope with the missed or forgotten dose.
Over Dose
If overdosed, this drug can be harmful. When someone has taken an overdose some extreme signs such as passing out or respiratory problems can happen.
Storage
- Store the medication at room temperature away from light and moisture. Avoid freezing.
- Different formulations may have specific storage instructions. Check the label or consult your pharmacist for details.
- Gel preparations are flammable; keep them away from heat sources and open flames. Avoid smoking while using them.
- Keep all medications out of reach of children.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drains unless instructed. Properly discard expired or unused products according to local guidelines.
Adapalene vs Retinol
| Adapalene | Retinol |
|---|---|
| Formula: C28H28O3 | Formula: C20H30O |
| Molar mass: 4152 g/mol | Molar mass: 2845 g/mol |
| Is a topical retinoid | Also known as vitamin A |
| Used in the treatment of mild-moderate acne | Used as a dietary supplement. |
