Acne Treatment with Adapalene

       This acne medication is chemically related to Vitamin-A, which belongs to a family of compounds known as Retinoids. The action of Adapalene on the skin is similar to Tretinoin. It promotes the peeling of the skin and renewal of skin cells at a faster rate. Adapalene is less irritating than Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid). This anti-acne product also has some mild anti-inflammatory action and can be used together with benzoyl peroxide. Other retinoids like Tretinoin cannot be used with benzoyl peroxide because it becomes too irritating on the skin.

Precautions and Side Effects:

Do not use adapalene without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during acne treatment. This acne medication is not intended to be used on children.

Dryness, redness and mild peeling of the skin.

Effectiveness:

Adapalene gel 0.1% applied once daily was significantly more effective in reducing acne lesions and was better tolerated than tretinoin gel 0.025% in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

(Source: A comparison of the efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% and tretinoin gel 0.025% in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a multicenter trial.1: J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996 Mar;34(3):482-5)

This study showed that a majority of patients preferred adapalene 0.1% gel over tretinoin 0.025% cream and that it caused significantly less skin irritation.

(Source: Adapalene 0.1% gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris: its superiority compared to tretinoin 0.025% cream in skin tolerance and patient preference.1: Br J Dermatol. 1998 Oct;139 Suppl 52:17-22)

Product Information:

Adapalene is topically applied on the skin. This anti-acne product is available in cream or gel form at 0.1% to 0.3% concentration
(Brand Names: Differin®, Adaferin® )

Reviews and Comments:

“Adapalene is milder on the skin but I would have to say that Tretinoin microspheres works better for me”

References:

1. http://www.differin.com ( 2007 Galderma Laboratories, L.P.) Adapelene Gel
2. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2000/20748lbl.pdf ( Pharmacokinetics of Adapalene )
3. http://www.galdermausa.com/NewsAndMedia/PressRelease_21.aspx ( FDA Approves Differin® (adapalene) Gel, 0.3% 4. For Acne Fast, Powerful Efficacy For Challenging Acne ( June 20, 2007)
5. Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide Combination Effective and Safe for Acne CME News Author: David Douglas CME Author: Hien T. Nghiem, MD November 9, 2007

Last updated: May 18, 2008