Adapalene
About Adapalene
Adapalene is 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 works by loosening the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocking pores by reducing oil production. Thus, it 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 a 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 it for a longer 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), which is 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. Thus, it 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 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
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, and red, large, and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers, and antibiotics.
FAQs
Adapalene is used to treat acne, a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil.
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.
Adapalene may cause side effects such as skin irritation, skin redness, burning sensation of the skin, sun burn, skin peeling or dry skin. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Adapalene helps in reducing the scars after acne.
Blackheads are type of acne only. Thus, Adapalene can be used to manage and treat acne. However, it is advised to use Adapalene only after the doctors advise. The doctor will prescribe you the same after proper skin diagnosis. Do not self-medicate.
Adapalene is usually not recommended for pregnant women. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
It is advisable to avoid cosmetic procedures while using Adapalene. As, the cosmetic products with an abrasive, peeling or drying action may increase irritant effect. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Yes, Adapalene may cause burning sensation as a common side effect. Also, during the first 4 weeks of treatment, you may experience drying, redness, and scaling which usually reduce as you continue to use Adapalene. If the side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
You may start to see improvement after using Adapalene for two weeks, but it may take a minimum of eight weeks to notice consistent beneficial effects.
If necessary, moisturizers may be used; however, products containing glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids should be avoided.
Adapalene should be applied at night before bedtime or should be used as advised by your doctor. Clean the affected area with water and ensure it is dry before applying Adapalene. Apply it as a thin layer over the entire face and any other affected areas by taking a small amount onto your fingertips. It is important to clean your hands after applying Adapalene.
Avoid contact of Adapalene with the lips, eyes, angles of the nose, and inside of the mouth. Do not apply Adapalene on abrasions, cuts, reddened or inflamed skin, and sunburned skin. Wax epilation should be avoided on treated skin, as it may cause skin erosions.
You are advised to limit your time outside in the sun as Adapalene makes skin sensitive. If you must be in sunlight, you should wear sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover the treated areas. You should avoid weather extremes such as cold and wind, as this may irritate your skin. Avoid using some skin products, such as astringents, harsh soaps, cosmetics that have strong skin-drying effects. In addition, products with high alcohol levels should be avoided, as they may further irritate or dry your skin.
