Adapalene+dapsone
About
Adapalene+dapsone belongs to the class of dermatological preparations called ‘antiacne’ used to treat acne (pimples). Acne is a skin condition that is common 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+dapsone is a combination of two drugs, namely, Adapalene (man-made vitamin A) and Dapsone (antibiotic). Adapalene belongs to the class of retinoids (synthetic or man-made vitamin A) that works by loosening the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocking pores by reducing the production of oil in the skin. Thereby, it decreases pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Dapsone belongs to the class of antibiotics that works by inhibiting the production of folic acid (vitamin) that is necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby stops or slowing down the growth of bacteria and clears acne.
Adapalene+dapsone is only for external use. Use Adapalene+dapsone as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Adapalene+dapsone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience skin peeling, dry skin, irritation, redness, itching, or burning sensation at the site of application. Most of these side effects of Adapalene+dapsone 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+dapsone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid sun exposure while using Adapalene+dapsone as it may make 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+dapsone. Do not apply Adapalene+dapsone 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 redness, irritation, skin peeling, or discomfort.
Uses of Adapalene+dapsone
Medicinal Benefits
Adapalene+dapsone is a combination of two drugs namely, Adapalene and Dapsone used to treat acne (pimples). Adapalene is a retinoid (synthetic or man-made vitamin A) that loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing the production of oil in the skin. Thereby, it decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads, and blackheads. Also, adapalene increases the production of new skin cells and helps in the natural exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells) of the outer layers of the skin. The acne-causing bacteria feeds on sebum produced by sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin and produce fatty acids and waste products that irritate oil glands, causing redness and swelling. Dapsone inhibits the production of folic acid (vitamin) that is necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby, it stops or slows down the growth of bacteria, causing acne, and heals the skin by reducing swelling and redness.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Adapalene+dapsone
- Skin peeling
- Dry skin
- Irritation
- Skin redness
- Itching
- Burning sensation at the site of application
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Adapalene+dapsone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Adapalene+dapsone on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Avoid contact of Adapalene+dapsone with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Adapalene+dapsone comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Adapalene+dapsone as it may make 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+dapsone. Do not apply Adapalene+dapsone 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.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Adapalene+dapsone may interact with vitamin A-related drugs known as retinoids (isotretinoin), photosensitizing agents (aminolevulinic acid, methoxsalen, porfirmer, verteporfin), sensitizer (methyl aminolevulinate), a local anesthetic (prilocaine), keratolytic agents (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur), antiseptic (resorcinol).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough and cracked skin), sunburned skin, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or methemoglobinemia (blood disorder), please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene+dapsone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Adapalene+dapsone with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Adapalene+dapsone.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Adapalene+dapsone is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Adapalene+dapsone is given to breastfeeding women if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedAdapalene+dapsone usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Adapalene+dapsone in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Adapalene+dapsone in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeAdapalene+dapsone 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+dapsone as it may make 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 coloring or permanent chemicals, detergents and rough fabrics.
Special Advise
You are advised to consult a dermatologist after using Adapalene+dapsone for 3 months to check the improvement of your acne.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne: 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, and red, large, and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers, and antibiotics.
FAQs
Adapalene+dapsone contains Adapalene and Dapsone. Adapalene is a retinoid (synthetic or man-made vitamin A) that 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, whiteheads and blackheads. Dapsone is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the production of folic acid (vitamin) that is necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby, stops or slows down the growth of bacteria and clears acne.
Adapalene+dapsone 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 and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn.
Adapalene+dapsone is not recommended for eczema (itchy, cracked, swollen or rough skin) patients as it may increase the risk of severe irritation. Therefore, if you are suffering from eczema, inform your doctor before using Adapalene+dapsone.
Adapalene+dapsone may cause skin irritation or sensitivity as a side effect. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, stop using Adapalene+dapsone and consult a doctor.
You are recommended to use Adapalene+dapsone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after using Adapalene+dapsone for 12 weeks, please consult a doctor.
Adapalene+dapsone may cause dryness of the skin. You can use a moisturizer while using Adapalene+dapsone to prevent dry skin. However, do not apply Adapalene+dapsone and moisturizer at the same time as it may reduce the effectiveness of Adapalene+dapsone. Please consult a doctor before using other products with Adapalene+dapsone.
