Adapalene
Adapalene is a drug that belongs to the retinoid group. This drug is useful for preventing and treating acne and blackheads.
Use of this drug requires a prescription from a doctor to avoid side effects and the risk of complications.
- Drug Class: Retinoids.
- Category: Prescription Drugs.
- Indications: Prevents and treats acne and blackheads.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Category: Category C.
Drugs should be used with great caution. Because the large benefits obtained will have a large risk to the fetus. Research on test animals shows a risk to the fetus. However, so far there is no direct research evidence on pregnant women.
- Drug Form: Gel and cream.
Benefits of Adapalene
This medicine is useful for preventing and treating acne and blackheads that grow on the face. The way it works is by preventing the blockage of pores in the skin caused by dead skin cells and oil buildup on the skin.
This medication can also increase the rate of turnover of new skin cells, opening the pores and glands that produce sebum.
Adapalene can also help soothe acne that has already formed, and as an anti-inflammatory, it reduces the inflammation that is part of acne.
Other benefits of adapalene are:
- Improves fine and coarse wrinkles by restoring dermal collagen.
- Reduces blackheads, papules, and pustules, and is suitable for long-term facial skin care.
- Reduces rough skin.
- Tightens sagging skin.
Adapalene Dosage
In general, this medicine is applied by applying it to the acne-prone skin area. Do this once a day and it is recommended to do it one hour before bedtime. The dosage of this medicine itself is adjusted to the condition and age of the user.
1. Teenagers over 12 years old
To treat acne in adults and children over 12 years of age, apply 0.1 percent or 0.3 percent adapalene cream or gel thinly and evenly to the area in need. The medication only needs to be used once a day at night.
If you do not experience any improvement in your skin condition after using adapalene for 3 months, consult a dermatologist immediately.
2. Adults over 18 years old
For adults over 18, it is recommended to use the same guidelines as for adolescents over 12. It is not recommended for children under 12 who have not yet gone through puberty.
Is Adapalene Safe for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends discontinuing the use of this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to consult your obstetrician or dermatologist before using any acne treatment.
This medication should be applied away from the chest to prevent accidental contact with the baby’s skin. The ointment should not be applied to the breast before breastfeeding.
The risk to a nursing infant is considered low, as only small amounts are absorbed after topical application.
How to Use Adapalene Correctly
To use this medication, be sure to follow your doctor’s prescription or the instructions on the package. However, if your doctor recommends something different than what is on the package, be sure to follow the instructions.
Never increase, decrease, or even extend the dose consumed without permission from the doctor. Use regularly at the same time every day. After applying at night, wash your face in the morning.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying this medication. Remember, this medication should only be used on the skin.
Do not apply this medication near the eyes, lips, and nose. Also avoid applying it to any areas of wounded, scratched, or sunburned skin, including skin affected by eczema.
Warnings Before Using Adapalene
There are several things to consider before using this drug, namely:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This drug is in category C and can pose a risk to the fetus.
- Tell your doctor if you are using or taking any other medications.
- Tell your doctor if you have conditions such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and skin cancer.
- Avoid activities that require focus, as this drug can reduce concentration.
- Avoid direct sunlight while using this medication. Always wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when going outside. Adapalene can make your skin sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet light.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to adapalene or any of the ingredients in adapalene topical products.
- Tell your doctor about all the skin care products you use. This includes soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, and cosmetics. Some skin care products can irritate the skin when used with adapalene.
- Products that contain alcohol, herbal ingredients, or dry out the skin may interact with this medication.
- Do not let it get into your mouth, nose, or the corners of your eyes when using it.
Adapalene Side Effects
The use of this drug can cause different side effects in some people. Some of the side effects include:
- Dry skin.
- Redness and irritation of the skin.
- Skin peeling.
- Scaly skin.
- The skin feels itchy.
- Burning or stinging sensation on the skin area where the product was applied.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.
Less common side effects that you should still be aware of include:
- Acne scars.
- Contact dermatitis.
- Eczema.
- Stupid.
Meanwhile, serious side effects can include:
- Very red or irritated skin.
- Intense burning sensation.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Changes in skin color.
Adapalene Interactions
There are several drugs that can cause interactions when used together with Adapalene, such as:
- Resorcinol: The risk or severity of side effects is increased when combined.
- Salicylic Acid: The risk or severity of side effects is increased when combined.
- Aminolevulinic acid: Risk of sunburn when used together.
Adapalene Contraindications
There are several conditions that do not permit the use of this drug, such as:
- Have hypersensitivity to the contents of this drug.
- Suffering from skin irritation.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding?