Azelaic Acid
Description
Azelaic Acid is used to treat mild-to-moderate acne (pimples). It is used to relieve symptoms such as bumps, lesions, redness, etc. associated with different forms of acne.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Azelaic Acid
- Application site redness, itching, and burning
- Dry skin
- Tenderness of skin
- Stinging sensation at application site
- Sudden swelling of eyelids, face, throat, tongue
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing
Uses of Azelaic Acid
What is it prescribed for?
- Rosacea
- Acne vulgaris
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe time duration for which this medicine remains effective 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.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be used with the doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. If the medicine is used, care should be taken such that the infant does not come into contact with the medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to azelaic acid or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be used with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. If the medicine is used, care should be taken such that the infant does not come into contact with the medicine.
General warnings
Other topical products
Report the use of other topical products to the doctor before beginning treatment with this medicine. This medicine may interact with other skin care products and cause side effects such as skin irritation, rashes, swelling, etc. Report any such symptoms to the doctor immediately. Your doctor may suggest an appropriate time-gap between usage of this medicine and other topical products to avoid their interaction. Alternatively, replacement with a suitable medicine may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Asthma
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from asthma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms or worsening of condition to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures and/or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Changed skin tone
Frequent use of this medicine may alter the skin tone in and around the area of application. This change is particularly visible in dark-skinned people.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 12 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
The likelihood of an overdose with a topical application is very low. However, if pronounced local irritation or symptoms such as severe skin rashes occur, discontinue therapy and contact your doctor immediately for further instructions. Also, seek immediate medical help if this medicine is taken by mouth in large quantities.
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
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply a thin layer of this medicine on the affected areas following all the instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Report any undesirable side effects to the doctor immediately. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine interferes with certain processes that help the acne-causing bacteria to grow and increase in number. It also keeps skin pores clear and regulates the production of keratin to reduce the formation of pimples.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical acne agents, Topical anti-rosacea agents
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed -Azelaic acid gel [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 6 August 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 6 August 2018]. Available from:
Azelaic Acid - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 6 August 2018]. Available from:
Azelaic Acid Topical : MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 6 August 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 6 Aug 2018
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.