title: Adapalene: a review of its use in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
abstract: Adapalene (Differin) is a retinoid agent indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. In clinical trials, 0.1% adapalene gel has proved to be effective in this indication and was as effective as 0.025% tretinoin gel, 0.1% tretinoin microsphere gel, 0.05% tretinoin cream and 0.1% tazarotene gel once every two days; however, the drug was less effective than once-daily 0.1% tazarotene gel. It can be used alone in mild acne or in combination with antimicrobials in inflammatory acne and has proved efficacious as maintenance treatment. Adapalene has a rapid onset of action and a particularly favourable tolerability profile compared with other retinoids. These attributes can potentially promote patient compliance, an important factor in treatment success. Adapalene is, therefore, assured of a role in the first-line treatment of acne vulgaris.
authors.affiliation: Adis International Limited, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 1311, New Zealand. demail@adis.cm.nz
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Waugh
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Noble
authors.forename: Lesley J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068816:Adapalene; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005782:Gels; D009281:Naphthalenes; D000068816:Adapalene