Adapalene

Adapalene is a remedy for acne. This drug is useful for reducing the number and severity of acne, as well as speeding up the healing process of acne.

Adapalene belongs to the retinoid class of drugs. This drug works by triggering the process of skin growth and turnover, reduces blackheads , and relieves inflammation of the skin.

What Is Adapalene

The group	Prescription drugs
Category	Retinoid
Benefit	Treating acne
Used by	Adults and children 12 years old
Adapalene for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether adapalene is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine before consulting your doctor.
Form	Gel and cream

Precautions Before Using Adapalene

Adapalene should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Consider the following before using adapalene:

• Do not use adapalene if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine, retinoids, or vitamin A.
• Tell your doctor if you have a skin disorder, such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Do not be exposed to direct sunlight for too long and always use sunscreen if you are active outside while undergoing treatment with adapalene, because this drug can cause the skin to sunburn more easily .
• Avoid using adapalene on areas of skin that have been recently shaved, waxed or removed by electrolysis.
• Do not use adapalene on skin that is sore, irritated, peeling, burned or cracked.
• See a doctor immediately if you have  an allergic reaction to the drug  or an overdose after using adapalene.

Adapalene Dosage and Directions for Use

The dose of adapalene will be adjusted according to the severity of the condition and the patient's response to the drug.

To treat acne in adults and children 12 years of age, apply a 0.1% or 0.3% adapalene cream or gel thinly and evenly to the area where it is needed, once a day. The drug should be applied at night.

Consult a doctor if there is no improvement in skin condition after 3 months of using the drug.

How to Use Adapalene Properly

Make sure you use adapalene according to the doctor's instructions or the information listed on the medicine package. Do not increase or decrease the dose of the drug without consulting your doctor.

Clean and dry your face or other areas that you treat, then apply a thin layer of the medicine on the acne-prone area. Wash your hands after using the medicine.

Do not apply adapalene to your eyes, lips, mouth, or inside of your nose. If exposed to the area, rinse with clean water until the drug disappears. Do not cover the treated area with tape or gauze, unless directed by a doctor.

Use caution when using adapalene if you have recently used products containing sulfur or salicylic acid . Wait for the effects of the product to subside, then you can use adapalene.

Tell your doctor right away if after using adapalene, you get blisters, redness, or sunburn. You need to stop using the drug if your skin has sunburn.

Use adapalene for the period of time instructed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have improved. This is done to prevent acne from recurring or prevent the acne from getting worse.

If your skin feels dry from using adapalene, use a moisturizer when you're not using adapalene. Instead, use a water-based moisturizer that does not contain perfume.

Avoid using moisturizers in the form of ointments or creams that contain oil. These moisturizers can increase the risk of clogged pores and can cause acne to reappear.

Store adapalene in a closed container in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze medicine and keep medicine out of reach of children.

Adapalene Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several drug interactions that can occur if adapalene is used with other medicines, including:

• Increased risk of skin irritation if adapalene is used with soaps, facial cleansers, or cosmetics that contain alcohol, astrigen, lime, or spices
• Increased risk of skin irritation and dry skin if used with benzoyl peroxide , sulfur, or salicylic acid
• Increased risk of sunburn when used with aminolevulinic acid

Adapalene Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that can occur after using adapalene include:

• A warm or stinging sensation some time after the drug is applied
• Red, dry, itchy or burning skin
• Acne that looks worse at the beginning of use (about the first 2-4 weeks)

Check with the doctor if the complaints do not subside or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Redness on the skin getting worse or skin irritation
• The burning sensation in the skin is getting worse
• Inflammation of the outer membrane of the eye (conjunctivitis) which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as red or watery eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids