Article: Adapalene

Adapalene
Systematic (IUPAC) name
6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxy-phenyl] naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	106685-40-9
ATC code	D10AD03
PubChem	60164
DrugBank	APRD00780
Chemical data
Formula	C28H28O3
Mol. weight	412.52 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	Biliary
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	C
Legal status	POM(UK) ℞-only(US)
Routes	Topical

Adapalene is a topical retinoid primarily used in the treatment of acne and is also used (off-label) to treat keratosis pilaris as well as other skin conditions^[1]. It is currently marketed by Galderma under the trade name Differin.

Indications

Adapalene is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

History

Adapalene was approved in 1996 by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of acne.

Dosage

Adapalene is applied once daily, after washing and before retiring. In some circumstance, when a patient complains of skin irritation, this may be decreased to once every other day until the irritation ceases.

Available forms

Adapalene is available in four different forms: gel, solution, pledglets and cream.

Although it is currently only available in a 0.1% formulation, Phase III clinical trials have shown that a 0.3% formulation is significantly more effective. ^[2]

Pharmacodynamics

Adapalene in small concentrations is a moderator of cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes. The exact mode of action of adapalene is unknown.

Pharmacokinetics

Adapalene is applied topically to the skin, and its absorption through this medium is very low. Only trace amounts of adapalene have been found in the plasma of chronically treated patients.