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Adapalene
July 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Adapalene (uh-DAP-uh-lene)
Brand Name Differin
Type of Drug Anti-acne.
Prescribed For Acne.
General Information
Adapalene is similar to a retinoid. Retinoids are compounds related to vitamin A and are used in acne treatment. When adapalene is applied to an acne lesion, it modifies several of the processes involved in skin cell function. It reduces inflammation in the acne lesion and slows the formation of the material that fills the lesion. Very little adapalene is absorbed through the skin.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not use adapalene if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. If you are sunburned, wait until your sunburn clears before applying adapalene to your skin. Avoid sun or sunlamp exposure while using adapalene. If you must be in the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing over areas where you have applied adapalene. Extreme wind or cold can also be irritating to skin where adapalene has been applied.
Adapalene can irritate the skin if used in combination with products such as medicated or abrasive soaps or cleansers, astringents, or soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect. Avoid products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid.
Adapalene can be highly irritating if it gets into your eyes or if it is applied to your lips, the angles of your nose, mucous membranes, cuts, abrasions, or sunburned or damaged skin. Avoid using depilatories or waxing while using adapalene.
Possible Side Effects
V Most common: redness, irritation, dryness, scaling, itching, and burning are common after applying adapalene to your skin. These effects usually occur during the first 24 weeks of adapalene use and subside as treatment continues. Symptoms may be severe enough to cause you to stop using adapalene; call your doctor if this happens to you.
V Rare: skin irritation, stinging sunburn, and worsening acne. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
None known.
Usual Dose
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): Wash affected areas with a mild or soapless cleanser and apply a thin layer of adapalene at bedtime.
Child (under age 12): not recommended.
Overdosage
Chronic ingestion of adapalene can cause liver toxicity and other side effects associated with swallowing large amounts of vitamin A. Swallowing adapalene gel is extremely dangerous for pregnant women, who should not take more vitamin A than is contained in their prenatal vitamins. Infants who swallow adapalene should be taken to a hospital emergency room for treatment.
Special Information
Stop using adapalene and call your doctor if you develop a severe skin reaction or any sign of drug allergy or reaction (symptoms include rash, hives, itching, changes in complexion, and breathing difficulties or irregularities).
Adapalene may exacerbate your acne at first, but you should see improvement within 2 weeks.
If you must be in the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing over areas to which you have applied adapalene.
Using more than a thin film of adapalene does not produce better results and may be more irritating to the skin.
If you forget to apply a dose of adapalene, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next application of adapalene, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule.
Special Populations
PregnancylBreast-feeding., Animal studies of adapalene have shown no effects on the fetus. Since the effect of adapalene on pregnant women is not known, the drug should be used only when the possible benefits outweigh the risks.
It is not known if adapalene passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should use infant formula.
Seniors: Seniors may use this drug without special precautions.