II. Indication

III. Mechanism

  1. Comedolytic
  2. Synthetic Retinoid analog

IV. Supplied

  1. Adapalene only
    1. Gel 0.1% (Over-the-counter in U.S. as of 2017)
    2. Gel 0.3%
    3. Cream 0.1%
    4. Lotion 0.1%
  2. Combinations
    1. Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide 0.1%/2.5% gel (Epiduo)
    2. Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide 0.3%/2.5% gel (Epiduo Forte)

V. Adverse Effects

  1. Same as Tretinoin, but less severe

VI. Safety

  1. Pregnancy Category C
    1. But generally recommended to avoid in pregnancy (esp. first trimester)

VII. Efficacy

  1. As effective as Tretinoin (Retin-A)
  2. Better tolerated than Tretinoin (less irritation)
  3. Generic and cost (2019) is $20 for 45 grams

Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)

Related Studies

Cost: Medications

adapalene (on 12/21/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing)
ADAPALENE 0.1% CREAM Generic $2.85 per gram
ADAPALENE 0.1% GEL Generic OTC $0.51 per gram
ADAPALENE 0.3% GEL Generic $0.80 per gram
ADAPALENE 0.3% GEL PUMP Generic $2.66 per gram
ADAPALENE-BNZYL PEROX 0.1-2.5% Generic $0.59 per gram
ADAPALENE-BNZYL PEROX 0.3-2.5% Generic $2.10 per gram

Ontology: adapalene (C0165631)

Definition (NCI) A topical retinoid-like compound, chemically similar to vitamin A. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, adapalene binds to specific retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus, leading to specific gene expression. This agent stimulates skin growth through modulation of cellular differentiation, inflammatory processes and keratinization of follicular epithelial cells. Adapalene may increase dermal sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. (NCI04)
Concepts Pharmacologic Substance (T121) , Organic Chemical (T109)
MSH C063610
SnomedCT 332377001, 391719005, 108903004, 386934008
English 6-(3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-naphthoic acid, adapalene, 6-(3-(1-Adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-naphthoic acid, 6-(4-Methoxy-3-tricyclo(3.3.1.13,7)dec-1-ylphenyl)-2-naphthalenecarboxylic Acid, ADAPALENE, retinoids adapalene, adapalene (medication), adapalene [Chemical/Ingredient], Adapalene - chemical, Adapalene - chemical (substance), Adapalene, Adapalene (product), Adapalene (substance)
Spanish adapaleno (producto), adapaleno (sustancia), adapaleno

Ontology: Differin (C0593946)

Concepts Pharmacologic Substance (T121) , Organic Chemical (T109)
MSH C063610
English Differin, differin, Allphar brand of adapalene, Differine, Galderma brand of adapalene

Ontology: adapalene 0.001 MG/MG / Benzoyl Peroxide 0.025 MG/MG Topical Gel [Epiduo] (C2586879)

Concepts Clinical Drug (T200)
English Epiduo 0.1%-2.5% Topical Gel, adapalene 0.001 MG/MG / Benzoyl Peroxide 0.025 MG/MG Topical Gel [Epiduo], Epiduo (adapalene 0.1 % / benzoyl peroxide 2.5 %) Topical Gel, Epiduo, 0.1%-2.5% topical gel, ADAPALENE 0.1 %WW TOPICAL GEL [EPIDUO], ADAPALENE 0.1 %WW / BENZOYL PEROXIDE 2.5 %WW TOPICAL GEL [EPIDUO], Epiduo (adapalene 1 MG / benzoyl peroxide 25 MG) per GM Topical Gel, ADAPALENE 1 mg in 1 g / BENZOYL PEROXIDE 25 mg in 1 g TOPICAL GEL [EPIDUO], ADAPALENE 1 MILLIGRAM In 1 GRAM / BENZOYL PEROXIDE 25 MILLIGRAM In 1 GRAM TOPICAL GEL [EPIDUO], Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide 0.1%-2.5% Topical application Gel/Jelly [EPIDUO], Epiduo Pump, 0.1%-2.5% topical gel, ADAPALENE 1 mg in 1 g / BENZOYL PEROXIDE 25 mg in 1 g TOPICAL GEL [Epiduo], Epiduo Pump 0.1%-2.5% Topical Gel