Adapalene is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation.

Adapalene topical is used to treat acné

Adapalene topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use adapalene topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Clean and dry the area to which you will apply adapalene topical. Apply the medication to the affected area.

When applying adapalene topical, avoid your eyes, the inside of your nose and mouth, your lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water.

Do not cover the affected area after applying adapalene topical. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by your body and could be harmful.

Adapalene topical is usually applied once daily at bedtime.

It may take 8 to 12 weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using adapalene topical if you do not see results immediately. During the early weeks of therapy, your acné may appear worse as previously unseen lesions begin to erupt. This is a temporary effect.

If you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation ask your doctor about using adapalene every other day or only a few days a week.

If you have dark skin and you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor.

Store adapalene topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use other topical prescription or over-the-counter preparations unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with your treatment or increase irritation to your skin.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with adapalene topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Adapalene topical may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.

Do not use adapalene topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds.

Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of adapalene topical.

Do not cover the area after applying adapalene topical. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by your body and could be harmful.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.

An overdose of adapalene topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if adapalene topical has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only your next regularly scheduled dose.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Adapalene topical may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.

Do not use adapalene on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds.

Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using adapalene topical.

Do not use adapalene topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions much worse. Also avoid using adapalene topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Adapalene topical is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether adapalene topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether adapalene topical passes into breast milk. Do not use adapalene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has additional information about adapalene topical written for health professionals that you may read.

Adapalene topical is available with a prescription under the brand name Differin in a 0.1% gel formulation. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.