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Adapalene

  • Dermatological retinoidsDermatological retinoids
  • Pregnancy: contraindicatedSystemic absorption is negligible and harm is unlikely, but as a precaution topical retinoids are not used in pregnancy or by women planning one.

A topical retinoid-like gel for acne that stops new comedones forming. Stable in sunlight and with benzoyl peroxide; it irritates at first.

Updated

Quick facts

Group
Dermatological retinoids
Target
Retinoic acid receptors RAR-β and RAR-γ
Used for
Acne vulgaris
Key effects
Redness · Brief warmth · Sun sensitivity
Monitor
Irritation during the first weeks
ATC
D10AD03

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

Mechanism of action

The figure shows the ligand-binding domain of human RAR-γ holding all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin), whose pocket adapalene also occupies; adapalene itself is not in this crystal.

Target in 3D: Retinoic acid receptors RAR-β and RAR-γ. PDB structure 2LBD (RCSB PDB, public domain). View the structure at RCSB PDB

Adapalene is a naphthoic acid derivative that resembles retinoic acid in structure and effect and binds mainly RAR-β and RAR-γ. In the follicle it corrects abnormal keratinisation so that microcomedones, the first lesion of acne, stop forming, and it reduces inflammation. Unlike tretinoin it is chemically stable in light and next to benzoyl peroxide, and it is more lipophilic, so it enters follicles quickly. It is usually less irritating than tretinoin.

  1. Adapalene binds RAR-β and RAR-γ in follicle keratinocytes
  2. Follicular keratinisation normalises
  3. New microcomedones stop forming; inflammation falls
  4. Comedones and papules clear over weeks

Indications

  • Acne vulgaris (comedonal and inflammatory), alone or with benzoyl peroxide Acne vulgaris →

Adverse effects

Common

  • Redness, scaling, dryness, burning or stinging in the first weeks
  • Brief warmth or stinging after application
  • Early flare of acne as hidden lesions surface
  • Sun sensitivity

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to adapalene or any component
  • Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy (precaution for all topical retinoids)
  • Sunburned, broken or eczematous skin until healed

Key interactions

Benzoyl peroxide
Adapalene stays stable with it, and fixed combinations exist (tretinoin, by contrast, is inactivated).
Harsh, drying or alcohol-containing skin products; hot wax
More irritation; hot wax hair removal is avoided on treated skin.

What is monitored

  • Irritation during the first weeks
  • Response after a few months of regular use

Administration and safety

  • A thin film on clean, dry skin, usually at bedtime.
  • Kept away from the eyes, nose, mouth and mucous membranes.
  • Not applied to sunburned, broken or eczematous skin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Systemic absorption is negligible and harm is unlikely, but as a precaution topical retinoids are not used in pregnancy or by women planning one.

Nursing care

  • Explain that acne may look worse at first and that it is not stopped early.
  • Teach a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser if dry, and sun protection.
  • Ask about pregnancy plans before starting.
  • During breastfeeding it is not applied to the nipple or areola.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
Very little is absorbed through the skin; it penetrates follicles quickly.
Onset and duration
Acne may look worse in the first weeks; full benefit takes a few months.

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

What practical advantage does adapalene have over tretinoin?

It is stable in sunlight and with benzoyl peroxide, and it is usually less irritating.

Which retinoic acid receptors does adapalene bind mainly?

RAR-β and RAR-γ.

Why does acne sometimes look worse in the first weeks of adapalene?

Lesions forming under the surface are brought up early; it is not a reason to stop.

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More Pharmacology questions →

Connections

← Back to the class: Dermatological retinoids

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: Adapalene: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Retinoid-containing medicinal products - referral (European Medicines Agency (EMA), 2018).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.