Adapalene

Acne Vulgaris

Treatment

2 Active Studies for Adapalene

What is Adapalene

Adapalene

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Acne vulgaris is a skin condition caused by an increase in sebum, inflammation, and changes to the follicles. Adapalene is a topical retinoid used to treat acne vulgaris. It is effective and safe compared to other medications, such as tretinoin, and can be combined with benzoyl peroxide for even better results. The brand name Differin was approved by the FDA in 1996 and is available as a 0.1% topical solution, gel, cream, or lotion, or 0.3% gel products. Epiduo, a combination of adapalene and benz

Adapalene

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Adapalene Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Adapalene

Adapalene

1996

71

Effectiveness

How Adapalene Affects Patients

Adapalene can help stop new comedones (acne) and inflammation from forming. It works similarly to other retinoid compounds, but should be used with sunscreen, as it can be affected by sunlight. Some people may experience minor skin irritation such as redness, flaking, dryness, and stinging or burning.

How Adapalene works in the body

Adapalene works to treat and maintain mild to severe acne. It does this by binding to proteins in the skin's cells that help regulate cell growth and differentiation. This helps reduce the number of blocked pores and comedones. Adapalene also works to reduce inflammation caused by the bacteria that are often associated with acne. When combined with benzoyl peroxide, the two agents work together to reduce inflammation and comedones.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed measure of Adapalene is contingent upon the determined condition. The amount of dosage likewise alters as per the mode of delivery (e.g. Topical or Gel) demonstrated in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Acne Vulgaris

0.001 mg/mg, , 0.003 mg/mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.1 %, 0.3 %, 45.0 mg/mg, 1.5 mg/mg

Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, , Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Swab, Swab - Topical, Liquid, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Liquid - Topical

Warnings

Adapalene Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Adapalene may interact with Pulse Frequency

Common Adapalene Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Adapalene Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Adapalene is generally considered safe, however, an overdose may cause redness, scaling, and skin discomfort. In animal studies, the highest dose of adapalene that did not cause any adverse effects was 5000mg/kg for rats and mice and 30mg/kg for mice when applied topically.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Adapalene Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Adapalene?

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Acne Vulgaris

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1

Adapalene Reviews: What are patients saying about Adapalene?

5

Patient Review

11/20/2015

Adapalene for Acne

I've been using this for about five weeks now, and my skin is finally clearing up. At first, I actually broke out more as everything was coming to the surface; but it's worth it in the long run. Another benefit is that it's also helping to fade some of my sun spots!

5

Patient Review

9/30/2020

Adapalene for Acne

Adapalene has been working great for me for the last five years. It's worth noting that, when you first start using it, your acne might get worse before it gets better. In my experience, preventing excessive dryness and irritation is a matter of washing your face, waiting 20 minutes or so, applying the product, waiting another 20 minutes, then washing it off and applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

5

Patient Review

9/14/2017

Adapalene for Acne

This medication is amazing! It's helped both my daughter and myself.

5

Patient Review

10/4/2016

Adapalene for Acne

I didn't see results for about a week after I started using this product, but it was well worth the wait. My skin completely cleared up and now looks healthy and vibrant.

4.3

Patient Review

1/30/2018

Adapalene for Acne

I was surprised to find myself still dealing with acne in my forties, but this medication has been a huge help. After just two weeks of consistent use, my skin is almost entirely clear. I would definitely recommend this product to others!

4.3

Patient Review

8/5/2021

Adapalene for Acne

Acne gets worse before it gets better. Scaling , peeling and dryness are my side effects. I have "maskney" since I'm in the medical field, I have to wear a mask....and wearing it all day gives me pimples :(

3.7

Patient Review

5/31/2016

Adapalene for Acne

I've had mixed results with this medication. Sometimes it works great and other times I feel like a total hermit. The acne got worse when I first started taking it, but that may just be part of the process.

3

Patient Review

2/8/2015

Adapalene for Acne

After using this product for a little over a month, my skin is five times worse than when I started. I'm not sure if that's because it's supposed to clean out your pores or if the product just doesn't work for me, but either way it sucks. My acne scars have gotten worse and I've been breaking out more.

3

Patient Review

2/25/2022

Adapalene for Acne

My face is in a lot of pain.

3

Patient Review

6/27/2017

Adapalene for Acne

I used this medication for acne treatment for over a year, but recently stopped because my face became very irritated. The redness was constant and difficult to cover with makeup. Additionally, I didn't feel like the product was working very well for me.

2.7

Patient Review

11/29/2014

Adapalene for Acne

I was given this medication for my cystic acne, but after reading that it can take months for your skin to get used to it, I've decided not to bother. It's caused me nothing but more problems.

2.7

Patient Review

4/26/2019

Adapalene for Acne

I found that this product drying my skin out to an excessive degree, to the point where it was uncomfortable for over two weeks every time I used it.

1.7

Patient Review

10/3/2016

Adapalene for Acne

I've been using Adaplene for a few weeks now, but my acne seems to be getting worse. I'm really hoping this treatment will help me clear up my skin, as I've been dealing with acne for twelve years now.

1

Patient Review

3/2/2020

Adapalene for Acne

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT. I ended up with a chemical burn that made my face red, swollen, and burning. It's been two days and I still can't put anything on my face except for cold washcloths. So disappointed, would not recommend to anyone.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about adapalene

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does adapalene do for skin?

"Adapalene is a medication used to treat acne. It works by preventing pimples from forming under the surface of the skin."

Answered by AI

Does adapalene Gel remove dark spots?

"Adapalene is a retinoid drug derived from vitamin A, and is approved by the FDA for treating acne. It can also be used to lighten dark spots, lessen wrinkles and fine lines, and treat actinic keratoses and other skin conditions."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of adapalene?

"The side effects of the medication usually go away after a few weeks of taking it, but some skin conditions may get worse before they get better. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist."

Answered by AI

Is adapalene the same as retinol?

"Are Retinol and Adapalene the Same Thing? Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but they are not the same thing. Retinol is like broccoli and adapalene is like cauliflower--both are vegetables with florets but one isn't the other. Adapalene is stronger and more potent than retinol because it contains active retinoic acid."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Adapalene

Image of Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, United States.

Isotretinoin vs Tetracycline for Acne

Any Age
All Sexes
Charleston, SC

In the effort to find better treatments for Moderate Acne, which often relies on long-term antibiotic use, researchers are exploring alternative options. While Isotretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative, is highly effective for severe acne, its side effects limit its use for milder cases. A recent study from our institution investigated a new approach: weekly Isotretinoin dosing. The results were promising, with acne improvement and no major side effects. This suggests that weekly Isotretinoin could be a successful alternative for moderate acne in both males and females. To validate these findings, investigators propose a randomized controlled trial comparing weekly Isotretinoin to daily Doxycycline over four months. This study could confirm the safety and effectiveness of weekly Isotretinoin, as well as shed light on patient satisfaction, and long-term results compared to standard antibiotics. This research may offer a breakthrough in treating moderate acne while addressing concerns about antibiotic overuse.

Phase < 1
Recruiting

Medical University of South Carolina

Alex Richmond, MD, MSCR