Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide
About
Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide belongs to the class of dermatological preparations called ‘antiacne’ used to treat acne (pimples) and remove the skin's upper dead layer. 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+benzoyl Peroxide is a combination of two drugs: Adapalene (retinoids) and Benzoyl peroxide (keratolytic agent). Adapalene belongs to the retinoid class (human-made vitamin A) which 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. Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic agent that breaks down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) and removes dead skin cells and softens skin. Additionally, Benzoyl peroxide possesses antibacterial properties and kills bacteria that cause acne.
Take Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide as prescribed. Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide is only for external use. Avoid contact of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide based on your medical condition. You may experience dry skin, scaling, local skin rash, irritation, redness, or burning sensation of the skin in some cases. Most of these side effects of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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+benzoyl Peroxide or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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+benzoyl Peroxide. Do not apply Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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+benzoyl Peroxide.
Uses of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide
Medicinal Benefits
Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide is a combination of two drugs: Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide used to treat acne (pimples). Adapalene is a retinoid (human-made vitamin A) that loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing oil production in the skin. Thereby, decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads, and blackheads. Also, it 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 has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus reduces irritation and soreness. Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic agent that breaks down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) and removes dead skin cells and softens skin. Additionally, Benzoyl peroxide possesses antibacterial properties and kills bacteria that cause acne.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide
- Dry skin
- Scaling
- Local skin rash
- Skin irritation
- Skin redness
- Burning sensation of the skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide is only for external use. Do not swallow Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide. In case of accidental swallowing, please consult a doctor. Avoid contact of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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+benzoyl Peroxide. Do not apply Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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+benzoyl Peroxide.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide may interact with vitamin A-related drugs known as retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin, bexarotene, trifarotene), photosensitizing agents (aminolevulinic acid, methoxsalen, porfimer, verteporfin), antibiotics (dapsone), sensitizer (methyl aminolevulinate), keratolytic agents (salicylic acid, sulfur), antiseptic (resorcinol).
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+benzoyl Peroxide.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide.
Pregnancy
unsafeAdapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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+benzoyl Peroxide is excreted in human milk. Therefore, Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. However, do not apply Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide on the chest area to avoid the contact of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide with the baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedAdapalene+benzoyl Peroxide usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionAdapalene+benzoyl Peroxide is not recommended for children below 9 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid sun exposure while using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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 if acne persists or worsens after using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide for 1 month.
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. Acne symptoms 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+benzoyl Peroxide contains Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene is a retinoid (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, decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads and blackheads. Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic agent that works by breaking down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) and removes dead skin cells and softens skin. Additionally, Benzoyl peroxide possesses antibacterial properties and kills bacteria that causes acne.
Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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.
No, Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide 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+benzoyl Peroxide.
Yes, Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide may cause skin irritation as a side effect. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, stop using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide and consult a doctor.
Yes, Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide may bleach coloured fabrics or hair. Therefore, avoid contact of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide with hair or fabrics and thoroughly wash your hands after using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide.
Yes, Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide may cause dryness of the skin. You can use a moisturizer while using Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide to prevent dry skin. However, do not apply Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide and moisturizer at the same time as it may reduce the effectiveness of Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide. Please consult a doctor before using other products with Adapalene+benzoyl Peroxide.
