Adapalene


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Topical/Cutaneous
Acne vulgaris
Adult: Mild to moderate cases where comedones, papules and pustules predominate: As 0.1% cream/gel/lotion, or 0.3% gel: Apply thinly onto affected areas once daily at night. If necessary, may reduce the frequency of application. Before application, gently cleanse the affected skin and pat dry. Reassess treatment if there is no improvement after 3 months.
Child: ≥12 years As 0.1% cream/gel/lotion, or 0.3% gel: Same as adult dose.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy.
Special Precautions
Children. Lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. pruritus, face or eyelid oedema, lip swelling); photosensitivity, local skin irritation (e.g. erythema, dryness, scaling, stinging/burning sensation, pruritus); may increase skin sensitivity to weather extremes (e.g. wind, cold).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Exfoliation of skin, skin discomfort, sunburn.
Patient Counseling Information
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and UV light; use protective clothing and sunscreen over treated areas when going outdoors. Do not apply on broken, abraded, sunburned or eczematous skin, or severe acne involving large areas. Avoid wax depilation on treated skin, or contact with mucous membranes, eyes and mouth, or accumulation in angles of the nose.
Drug Interactions
May cause additive local irritation with other topical products (e.g. medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, cosmetics with strong drying effect, peeling agents; products with high concentration of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime).
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Adapalene is a retinoid-like compound that acts on the important features of acne vulgaris pathology by modulating cellular differentiation, keratinisation and inflammatory processes. It is also suggested to normalise the differentiation of follicular epithelial cells leading to decreased microcomedone formation.
Onset: 8-12 weeks.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption.
Excretion: Via bile. Terminal elimination half-life: 7-51 hours (gel).
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Adapalene

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Adapalene, CID=60164, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Adapalene (accessed on Jan. 20, 2020)

Storage
Store between 20-25°C. Protect from light and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
MIMS Class
Acne Treatment Preparations
ATC Classification
D10AD03 - adapalene ; Belongs to the class of topical retinoid preparations used in the treatment of acne.
References
Anon. Adapalene. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Buckingham R (ed). Adapalene. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin 0.1% w/w Gel (Galderma [UK] Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin Cream 0.1% (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin Cream 0.1% (Zuellig Pharma Sdn Bhd). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 14/04/2021.

Differin Gel 0.1% (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin Gel 0.3% (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin Lotion (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 14/04/2021.

Joint Formulary Committee. Adapalene. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 14/04/2021.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Adapalene from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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