Adapalene
Description
Adapalene is a topical medicine used in the treatment of acne (a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are plugged with excess oil or dead skin cells) of the face, chest, or back. It works by preventing the accumulation of natural oil and helps in exfoliation. It also decreases the number and severity of acne breakouts.
Adapalene may cause side effects like redness, itching, stinging, or burning sensation, dryness, and peeling of the skin at the site of application. These side effects usually resolve with time as your skin gets used to the medication. Consult your doctor if they persist or worsen. Adapalene works on acne forming under your skin. Thus during the first few weeks, you may experience an increase in acne breakouts as this medicine may bring the acne formed under the skin to the surface. Do not discontinue treatment for this reason.
Adapalene may be used once a day at night or as directed by your doctor. Clean and dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of this medicine. Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine. Limit your exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen while going out during the day to prevent the risk of undesired effects.
Adapalene is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age due to the lack of safety and efficacy data. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Adapalene
- Hypersensitivity
- Burning and stinging
- Itching of skin
- Redness of skin
- Dry or scaly skin
Uses of Adapalene
What is it prescribed for?
- Acne vulgaris
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionAdapalene may take 12 weeks to fully show its effect.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Adapalene remains effective in your body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Adapalene.
- Usage in pregnancy?Adapalene is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Your doctor may weigh all the potential risks and benefits of using this medicine before prescribing it.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Adapalene may be used while breastfeeding if clearly needed. Your doctor may weigh all the potential risks and benefits of using this medicine before prescribing it. To prevent exposure of this medicine to your baby, avoid the application of this medicine to the chest area if you are breastfeeding.
Allergic reaction
Adapalene is not recommended if you are allergic to Adapalene. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as a skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Adapalene is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Your doctor may weigh all the potential risks and benefits of using this medicine before prescribing it.
Breast-feeding
Adapalene may be used while breastfeeding if clearly needed. Your doctor may weigh all the potential risks and benefits of using this medicine before prescribing it. To prevent exposure of this medicine to your baby, avoid the application of this medicine to the chest area if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
External use only
Adapalene is recommended for external use on the skin only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, mucous membrane, or open wounds.
Use in children
Adapalene is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not clinically established.
Waxing
Do not use waxing as a hair removal method for the area treated with Adapalene due to the increased risk of skin erosions.
Other skincare or topical products
Adapalene may interact with other skincare or medicinal products and may cause side effects. Hence, inform your doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Do not miss the dose of Adapalene. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Adapalene. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Isotretinoin
Methoxsalen
Salicylic Acid (Topical)
Resorcinol (Topical)
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)
Disease interactions
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition characterised by thick, dry and itchy skin. Adapalene is not recommended if you have eczema as it may increase the risk of severe irritation.
Sunburn
Adapalene is not recommended for use if you have sunburn as it may worsen your condition and cause severe skin irritation. If you have sunburn, your doctor may replace this medication with a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply a thin layer of Adapalene to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert.
Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, or open wounds. In case of accidental contact, wash thoroughly with water.
Do not apply in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Adapalene is usually applied at night, as exposure to sunlight after application may worsen your condition and cause skin irritation. Use sunscreen when going out during the day.
You may notice an increase in acne breakouts in the initial weeks of using Adapalene. Do not discontinue the treatment because of it. You will notice results after eight to twelve weeks of treatment. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve or becomes worse.
Inform your doctor of all topical medications and skin care products you may be using as Adapalene may react with them and cause undesirable effects.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Adapalene works by preventing the accumulation of natural oil and helps in exfoliation. It also decreases the number and severity of acne breakouts.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Retinoid like compound, Topical acne agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Medlineplus.gov. 2016. Adapalene: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Medicines.org.uk. 2020. Differin Cream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2012. DIFFERIN® (adapalene) Gel, 0.3%. [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) Adapalene. [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Adapalene (topical route) proper use (2023) Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Available at: (Accessed: April 14, 2023).
Information on this page was last updated on 17 Apr 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.