Aczone (Dapzone) vs. Differin

• Are Aczone and Differin the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Aczone?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Differin?
• What Is Aczone?
• What Is Differin?
• What drugs interact with Aczone?
• What drugs interact with Differin?
• How Should Aczone Be Taken?
• How Should Differin Be Taken?

Dapsone and Differin (adapalene) are used to treat different skin conditions.

Dapsone is an oral medication used in the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin condition) and leprosy (Hansen's disease).

Differin is a topical medication indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Dapsone and Differin belong to different drug classes. Dapsone is an antibacterial medication and Differin is a retinoid.

A brand name for dapsone is Aczone.

Side effects of dapsone that are different from Differin include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, headache, sleep problems (insomnia), or increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Side effects of Differin that are different from dapsone include skin burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, scaling, irritation, or worsening of acne, especially during the first 4 weeks of using this drug.

Dapsone may interact with other drugs.

Differin may interact with other skin medications that contain sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid (common in topical acne medications or skin cleansers), or skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Side effects of Aczone include:

• skin dryness,
• redness,
• oiliness, and
• peeling.

Common side effects of Differin include:

• a brief sensation of warmth or stinging immediately after applying the medication.

Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using Differin Gel 0.3%. These side effects usually decrease with continued use Differin Gel 0.3%. Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Differin Gel 0.3% including:

• very red or irritated skin,
• an intense burning sensation,
• eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis),
• eyelid swelling, or
• skin discoloration.

Aczone (dapsone) Gel, 5% is a sulfone drug indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Aczone Gel 5% is available in generic form.

Differin (adapalene) Gel 0.3% is a topical (applied to the skin) medication similar to vitamin A used to treat severe acne in people who are at least 12 years old. Differin Gel 0.3% is available in generic form.

Aczone Gel 5% may interact with other topical medications, harsh or abrasive soaps, or cosmetics on the affected area. Tell your doctor all medications, supplements, and skin care products you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Aczone Gel 5%; it is unknown if it will harm a fetus. Aczone Gel 5% passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Differin may interact with steroids or tetracycline antibiotics.

Differin may also interact with vitamin A, hormonal contraceptives, St. John's wort, and phenytoin.

For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. After the skin is gently washed and patted dry, apply approximately a pea-sized amount of Aczone Gel 5%, in a thin layer to the acne affected areas twice daily. Rub in Aczone Gel 5% gently and completely. Wash hands after application of Aczone Gel 5%.

Differin Gel 0.3% should be applied in a thin film to the entire face and any other affected areas of the skin once daily in the evening, after washing gently with a non-medicated soap.