Dosing and uses of Differin (adapalene)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
topical cream
- 0.1% (Rx)
topical geL
- 0.1% (OTC)
- 0.3% (Rx)
topical lotion
- 0.1% (Rx)
Acne Vulgaris
Apply thin film to entire face and other affected areas of the skin qPM after washing gently with nonmedicated soap
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
topical cream
- 0.1% (Rx)
topical geL
- 0.1% (OTC)
- 0.3% (Rx)
topical lotion
- 0.1% (Rx)
Acne Vulgaris
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥12 years: Apply thin film to entire face and other affected areas of the skin qPM after washing gently with nonmedicated soap
Differin (adapalene) adverse (side) effects
>10%
Dryness (1-45%)
Scaling (1-44%)
Burning/stinging (4-29%)
Erythema (0.5-26%)
1-10%
Skin discomfort (6%)
Pruritus (2%)
Desquamation (2%)
Sunburn (1%)
<1%
Acne flare
Conjunctivitis
Contact dermatitis
Eczema
Erythema
Eyelid edema
Rash
Skin discoloration
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to adapalene or any of its components
Cautions
Avoid eyes, lips, and mucous membranes
For external use only
Minimize UV light exposure; use sunscreen and protective clothing
Extreme weather (eg, wind, cold) may cause skin irritation
Adverse reaction risk higher during first month of treatment; generally subsides with use
Do not apply product to abrasions or cuts or to eczematous or sunburned skin
Skin irritation: Apply moisturizer, reduce application frequency, or discontinue
Do not wax treated area or apply topical products that may further irritate skin (eg, astringents, abrasive soaps and cleansers, exfoliants, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid)
Discontinue immediately and consult physician if any anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions occur
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Differin (adapalene)
Mechanism of action
Binds to specific retinoic-acid nuclear receptors and modulates cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes; exact mechanism of action for treatment of acne is unknown
Elimination
Excretion: Bile
Administration
Topical Administration
Apply small (pea-sized) amount sparingly to entire face after cleansing with nonmedicated cleanser
For topical use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use
Avoid mucous membranes, eyes, and lips
