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 feed on sebum (natural oil produced by the skin), leading to 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. You may experience dry skin, irritation, redness, or a burning sensation of the skin in some cases. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
If you are known to be allergic to Adapalene or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene. If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough, and cracked skin), skin cancer or sunburn, please inform your physician before taking Adapalene.
Uses of Adapalene
Medicinal Benefits
- Helps reduce pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.
- Unblocks clogged pores and controls excess oil.
- Promotes natural shedding of dead skin cells.
- Supports the formation of fresh, healthy skin.
- Helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation.
- Improves overall skin comfort during acne treatment.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Wash the affected area with water and dry it thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of Adapalene to clean, dry skin at night, or as directed by your physician.
- Adapalene is for external use only.
- Wash your hands before and after applying Adapalene.
Storage
Side Effects of Adapalene
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation
- Skin redness
- Burning sensation of the skin
- Desquamation (skin peeling)
- Sunburn
Medicines Containing this Salt
View All
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.
- If Adapalene comes into contact with these areas accidentally, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Adapalene, as it may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and cause sunburn.
- Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors to prevent sunburn.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Adapalene.
- Do not apply Adapalene in large amounts or for longer than prescribed, as it does not yield rapid or improved results and increases the risk of side effects, including skin irritation, scaling, or redness.
- 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 sunburn, please inform your physician before taking Adapalene.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug- Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before using Adapalene, as it may worsen your condition.
- Eczema (itchy, swollen, rough and cracked skin)
- Psoriasis (scaly skin)
- Skin cancer
- Sunburned skin
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
cautionAdapalene 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 recommended for breastfeeding mothers only if the physician determines that the benefits outweigh the risks. However, do not apply Adapalene on the chest area to avoid contact 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 under 12 years of age, as its safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Sun Protection:
- Avoid direct sun exposure as Adapalene can make the skin more sensitive.
- Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when going outdoors.
Exercise & Hygiene:
- Exercise regularly to support mood and confidence.
- Take a shower soon after exercise to remove sweat that may irritate acne.
Hair Care:
- Wash hair regularly and keep it away from the face.
- Avoid letting oily hair touch the skin.
Skin Care:
- Remove makeup completely before bedtime.
- Avoid harsh soaps, cleansers, shampoos, hair removal products, strong chemicals, detergents, and rough fabrics.
Special Advise
- Do not squeeze, pop, or pick spots, as this may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.
- You are advised to consult a dermatologist after using Adapalene for 3 months to assess the improvement in your acne.
- Adapalene is for topical use (skin surface) only and is not for ophthalmic (eye), oral or intravaginal use.
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 cells on the skin's surface and unblocking pores by reducing the production of sebum. Thereby, decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads and blackheads. Also, adapalene increases the production of new skin cells and supports natural exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells) in 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 patients with eczema (itchy, cracked, swollen, or rough skin) because it may cause severe irritation. Therefore, if you have eczema, inform your physician before using Adapalene.
Yes, Adapalene may cause skin irritation as a side effect. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, discontinue use of Adapalene and consult a physician.
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 skin dryness. You can use a moisturiser while using Adapalene to prevent dry skin. However, do not apply Adapalene and the moisturiser simultaneously, as this 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, a burning sensation, sunburn, peeling, or dry skin. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Adapalene helps reduce scars after acne.
Blackheads are a type of acne. Thus, Adapalene can be used to manage and treat acne. However, it is advisable to use Adapalene only after a doctor's advice. The doctor will prescribe the same after a 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. Cosmetic products with abrasive, peeling, or drying actions may increase irritant effects. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Yes, Adapalene may cause a burning sensation as a common side effect. Additionally, during the first 4 weeks of treatment, you may experience dryness, redness, and scaling, which usually improve 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 at least eight weeks to notice consistent benefits.
If necessary, moisturisers 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 outdoors in the sun, as Adapalene can make your skin sensitive. If you must be in direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers the treated areas. You should avoid exposure to extreme weather, such as cold and wind, as this may irritate your skin. Avoid using certain skin products, such as astringents, harsh soaps, and cosmetics with strong skin-drying effects. In addition, products with high alcohol levels should be avoided, as they may further irritate or dry your skin.
