Adapalene
About
Adapalene belongs to the class of dermatological preparations called ‘antiacne’ used to treat acne (pimples) in patients 12 years or older. Acne is a common skin condition and occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil. The acne-causing bacteria feeds on sebum (natural oil produced by skin) causing redness and swelling.
Adapalene contains Adapalene which belongs to the class of retinoids (human-made vitamin A). It works by loosening the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing oil production in the skin. Thereby, decreases pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Use Adapalene as prescribed. Adapalene is only for external use. Avoid contact of Adapalene with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Adapalene comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Adapalene based on your medical condition. You may experience dry skin, irritation, redness, or burning sensation of the skin in some cases. Most of these side effects of Adapalene do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Adapalene or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Adapalene on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Adapalene as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene. Do not apply Adapalene in large amounts or use for a long time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects such as irritation, scaling, or redness of the skin. If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough, and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene.
Uses of Adapalene
Medicinal Benefits
Adapalene contains Adapalene (man-made vitamin A) used to treat acne (pimples). Adapalene loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing the production of oil in the skin. Thereby, decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads, and blackheads. Also, Adapalene increases the production of new skin cells and helps in natural exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells) of outer layers of the skin. Adapalene has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus reduces irritation and soreness.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Adapalene
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation
- Skin redness
- Burning sensation of the skin
- Desquamation (skin peeling)
- Sunburn
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Adapalene or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Adapalene on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Avoid contact of Adapalene with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Adapalene comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Adapalene as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene. Do not apply Adapalene in large amounts or use for a long time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects such as irritation, scaling, or redness of the skin. You are advised not to use other acne products containing erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, or clindamycin with Adapalene at the same time as it may cause excessive irritation or dry skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use Adapalene at night and other products in the morning. If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough, and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking, might take or have recently taken any other medicines.
Drug- Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Adapalene with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Adapalene.
Pregnancy
unsafeAdapalene is a category C pregnancy drug and is usually not recommended for pregnant women. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Adapalene is excreted in human milk. Therefore, Adapalene is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. However, do not apply Adapalene on the chest area to avoid the contact of Adapalene with the baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedAdapalene usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Adapalene in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Adapalene in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeAdapalene is not recommended for children below 12 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid sun exposure while using Adapalene as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear acne. Take a shower immediately after finishing exercise as sweat may irritate acne.
- Do regular hair wash regularly and avoid hair falling across the face.
- Remove the make-up completely before going to bed.
- Avoid using products that may cause skin irritation such as harsh soaps, skin cleansers, shampoos, hair removers or waxes, hair colouring or permanent chemicals, detergents, and rough fabrics.
Special Advise
- Do not squeeze, pop or pick spots as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.
- You are advised to consult a dermatologist after using Adapalene for 3 months to check your acne's improvement.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne (pimples): It is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil, causing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne affects people of all ages but is most common among teenagers. The symptoms of acne include pus-filled pimples, uninflamed (not swollen) blackheads, red, large, and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers, and antibiotics.
FAQs
Adapalene works by loosening the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing the production of oil in the skin. Thereby, decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads and blackheads. Also, adapalene increases the production of new skin cells and helps in natural exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells) of the outer layers of the skin.
Adapalene may cause photosensitivity (increased skin sensitivity to sunlight) in the treated areas. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn.
No, Adapalene is not recommended for eczema (itchy, cracked, swollen or rough skin) patients as it may cause severe irritation. Therefore, if you are suffering from eczema, inform your doctor before using Adapalene.
Yes, Adapalene may cause skin irritation as a side effect. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, stop using Adapalene and consult a doctor.
You are advised not to use other acne products containing erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin with Adapalene at the same time as it may cause excessive irritation or dry skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use Adapalene at night and other products in the morning. However, please consult a doctor before using any other medicines or products with Adapalene.
Yes, Adapalene may cause dryness of the skin. You can use a moisturizer while using Adapalene to prevent dry skin. However, do not apply Adapalene and moisturizer at the same time as it may reduce the effectiveness of Adapalene. Please consult a doctor before using other products with Adapalene.
