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Overview: Adapalene is applied to the skin to treat acne. It works by speeding up the turnover of skin cells, which can  keep pores from clogging. Common side effects are dry skin and skin irritation. It may also cause skin reactions and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Always use sunscreen and moisturizer, and let your health care provider know if skin irritation does not get better. Adapalene is available as a cream, gel, and solution.

Uses

What is adapalene used for?

Adapalene is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris on your skin.

Adapalene may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does adapalene work (mechanism of action)?

Adapalene changes how your skin cells grow and shed so they do not clog pores or form acne. It also helps decrease redness and swelling that happens with acne.

How is adapalene supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Differin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% topical cream
  • 0.1%, 0.3% topical gel
  • 0.1% topical solution

How should I store adapalene?

Adapalene should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77  F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Do not freeze.

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of adapalene?

The most common side effects of adapalene are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin irritation such as redness, itching, burning, or stinging
  • Dry, flaky skin

There may be other side effects of adapalene that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-332-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of adapalene?

While less common, the most serious side effects of adapalene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Adapalene can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using adapalene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reaction. Skin reactions are usually not severe, and decrease with continued use of adapalene. You may need to use moisturizers, decrease how often you apply adapalene, or stop using it if you have trouble tolerating treatment. 

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to sunlight and sources of similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are using certain drugs, including adapalene. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in sunlight. Exposing your skin to this kind of light even for a short time can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use adapalene?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use adapalene.

  • Adapalene
  • Differin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all the ingredients in the specific adapalene products they stock.

What should I know about adapalene before using it?

If adapalene was prescribed to you by a health care provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using over-the-counter adapalene, follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share adapalene with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep adapalene out of the reach of children.

Wash your hands and the affected skin area with a mild or soapless cleanser before applying adapalene. Do not apply adapalene on skin that has cuts, scrapes, eczema, or sunburn. Avoid waxing for hair removal or applying other products that irritate the skin to areas that have been treated with adapalene.

Your acne might seem worse when you first start using adapalene because the medicine is working on pimples that you cannot see yet. This is normal and is not a reason to stop using adapalene. It may take 8-12 weeks before you notice results.  

What should I tell my health care provider before using adapalene?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if adapalene is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Skin problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any skin problems including cuts, scrapes, sunburn, or dry skin before using adapalene. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Adapalene may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using adapalene, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how adapalene could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if adapalene passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use adapalene while breastfeeding. If you use adapalene while breastfeeding, use it on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest time needed. Do not apply adapalene to areas of skin that may come into contact with your baby's mouth or eyes.

Interactions

Does adapalene interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between adapalene and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect adapalene.

Does adapalene interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using adapalene.

  • Skin care products containing sulfur, resorcinol, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid
  • Skin care products that irritate the skin, such as medicated or harsh soaps and cosmetics
  • Skin products containing high amounts of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime rind

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with adapalene. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much adapalene?

If you or someone else has used too much adapalene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of adapalene?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.