This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Pronunciation

(a DAP a leen)

Generic Available (U.S.)

No

Brand Names: U.S.

• Differin®

Brand Names: Canada

• Differin®
• Differin® XP

Pharmacologic Category

• Acne Products
• Topical Skin Product, Acne

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

• Topical Skin Product, Acne
• Acne Product, Topical

Use: Labeled Indications

Treatment of acne vulgaris

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if benefit outweighs the potential risk to fetus.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to adapalene or any component in the vehicle gel

Warnings/Precautions

Use with caution in patients with eczema. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Avoid contact with abraded skin, mucous membranes, eyes, mouth, angles of the nose.

Certain cutaneous signs and symptoms such as erythema, dryness, scaling, burning, or pruritus may occur during treatment; these are most likely to occur during the first 2-4 weeks and will usually lessen with continued use.

Adverse Reactions

>10%: Dermatologic: Erythema, scaling, dryness, pruritus, burning, pruritus or burning immediately after application

≤1%: Skin irritation, stinging sunburn, acne flares, dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eyelid edema, conjunctivitis, skin discoloration, eczema, rash (topical cream)

Mechanism of Action

Retinoid-like compound which is a modulator of cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes, all of which represent important features in the pathology of acne vulgaris

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Topical: Minimal

Excretion: Bile

Dosage

Topical: Children >12 years and Adults: Apply once daily at bedtime; therapeutic results should be noticed after 8-12 weeks of treatment

Patient Education

Apply with gloves in thin film at night to thoroughly clean/dry skin; avoid area around eyes or mouth. Do not apply occlusive dressing. Results may take 8-12 weeks to appear. You may experience transient burning or stinging immediately after applying. Report worsening of condition or skin redness, dryness, peeling, or burning that persists between applications. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or sunlamps.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess knowledge/teach patient appropriate use and adverse symptoms to report.

Dosage Forms

[DSC] = Discontinued product

Cream, topical: 0.1% (15 g, 45 g)

Gel, topical: 0.1% (15 g, 45 g) [alcohol free]

Pledget, topical: 0.1% (60s) [DSC]

Solution, topical: 0.1% (30 mL) [DSC]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Cream (Differin)

0.1% (45): $121.02

Gel (Differin)

0.1% (45): $106.79

International Brand Names

• Adaferin® (CR, DO, GT, HN, IL, IN, MX, PA, SV)
• Diferin® (SI)
• Differine® (CZ, ES, FR)
• Differin® (AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, DE, FI, GB, HU, IE, IT, LU, NO, NZ, PL, PT, SE, SG, SI, TH, TR, ZA)
• Redap® (DK)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision October 2006