Adolin

Indications

Adapalene is a skin gel or cream used to treat acne (pimples), including blackheads, whiteheads and red inflamed spots, mainly on the face, chest and back. It is sometimes combined with Benzoyl Peroxide or an antibiotic in one product.

How It Works

Adapalene is a retinoid, a medicine related to vitamin A. It helps skin cells turn over normally so pores do not get blocked, and it reduces inflammation in the skin. This clears existing spots and helps prevent new ones.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 and over: apply a thin layer once a day at bedtime to the whole area where acne appears, not just to single spots. Wash the skin gently with a mild cleanser and pat dry first. A pea-sized amount is usually enough for the whole face. Wash your hands afterwards.

Improvement is usually seen after 4 to 8 weeks, with full effect by about 12 weeks. Acne may look slightly worse during the first few weeks; keep using it unless irritation is severe.

Interactions

• Other products that dry or irritate the skin, such as Salicylic Acid, Resorcinol, sulphur, alcohol-based toners, strong soaps, scrubs and other retinoids, can increase irritation. Use them only if your doctor advises.
• If you use another acne treatment in the morning, apply adapalene at night.

Contraindications

• Allergy to adapalene or any ingredient.
• Pregnancy, or planning a pregnancy.

Side Effects

Common, especially in the first 2 to 4 weeks: dryness, redness, peeling, stinging or burning, and itching. These usually settle as the skin gets used to it. Increased sensitivity to sunlight can occur.

Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, eyes or lips, difficulty breathing, hives). Stop using it and see a doctor if you get severe redness, swelling, blistering or crusting.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy or if planning to become pregnant; stop and talk to your doctor if you become pregnant while using it. Only a very small amount is absorbed through the skin; if you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor first, and do not apply it to the chest area.

Precautions and Warnings

• Keep away from the eyes, lips, inside the nose and mouth, and broken, sunburnt or eczema-affected skin.
• Use a sunscreen and avoid strong sun or sunlamps.
• Avoid waxing the treated area, as it can cause skin damage.
• Using more than recommended will not clear acne faster and causes more irritation.

Overdose

Applying too much causes redness, peeling and discomfort; wash off the excess and use less. If swallowed, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Topical retinoid (anti-acne preparation).

Storage

Store below 30°C, do not freeze, keep the tube tightly closed and out of the reach of children.