Medication guide
Adapalene Gel (0.1%)
- Generic name
- Adapalene Gel (0.1%)
- Common brand names
- Differin Gel
- Medication class
- Topical retinoid
Overview
Its medication class is Topical retinoid. Common uses include Acne vulgaris. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Topical skin product.
- Time of day
- Apply once to twice daily; for rash/fungal products continue through full course.
- With food/water
- External use only.
- Preparation
- Apply thin layer to clean, dry skin; patch test where possible.
- Safe dose
- Small layer over affected lesions only.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed area/frequency limits on label.
- Frequency
- Usually once to twice daily.
- Other recommendations
- Stop if severe burning, swelling, or spreading redness appears.
Common uses
- Acne vulgaris
Common side effects
- Dryness
- peeling
- redness
- burning
- irritation
- photosensitivity
- and temporary worsening of acne
Important warnings
- Start gradually; may cause significant irritation initially. Avoid concurrent waxing, strong acids, or physical exfoliants. Not for pregnant people unless reviewed. Use sunscreen and moisturization; stop for severe burning, swelling, scarring lesions, or signs of photoallergy.
General interactions information
Increased irritation with benzoyl peroxide/abrasive scrubs
Sources / references
- Adapalene — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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