What is Adapalane ointment?
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Adapalene Ointment is a medicinal compound that consists of natural and semi-synthetic compounds and is known as a new solution in the management of various wounds and skin problems. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and restorative properties, this ointment has been able to significantly improve chronic wounds, burns, and other skin problems. In this article, we will take a deeper and comprehensive review of Adapalene ointment. In the following, we will introduce the pharmaceutical forms and the mechanism of action of this drug, then we will examine the various uses of Adapalene ointment in the treatment of wounds, the difference between acute and chronic wounds, and possible side effects.
What we read in this article
Pharmaceutical forms of adapalene
Chemical and herbal medicines available in the market are produced in different pharmaceutical forms based on international standards and classes. These forms include tablets, capsules, serum, ointment, injectable solution, syrup, etc., which the doctor prescribes according to the medical records, physical condition and age of the patient. Adapalene is available in the form of topical cream 0.1%, topical gel 0.1%, 0.3% and topical lotion 0.1% in the market. Based on your medical condition and type of disease, the doctor will prescribe various forms of this product for you.
Adapalene uses
This drug is used to treat acne and may reduce the number and severity of acne breakouts and cause rapid recovery of all types of skin acne. Adapalene belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids, which work by affecting cell growth and reducing swelling and inflammation. Of course, some doctors also prescribe this ointment to treat some skin diseases or allergies. Avoid taking it without a prescription or a doctor’s order for other purposes to avoid side effects.
Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of adapalene drug
The mechanism of action of adapalene binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors and modulates cell differentiation, keratinization and inflammatory processes. It should be noted, the exact mechanism of action for acne treatment is unknown.
Dosage of adapalene
If you are taking this drug without a prescription, first read the drug information on the product packaging. The amount and time of use for the treatment of acne is precisely stated by the manufacturer. Also, if your doctor has prescribed this product for you, use it as directed. Use adapalene ointment as directed by your doctor or on the product package, usually once a day at bedtime. The consumption amount is based on the type of disease and the extent of inflammation, the general consumption amount is one layer in an appropriate amount on the desired part. Also, avoid rubbing and using this ointment on the eyes, inside the ears and mouth (without a doctor’s order).
Time to use adapalene ointment
Before use, gently clean and dry the affected skin with a mild non-soap cleanser. If you use gel, cream or lotion, wash your hands before and after use. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of the medicine in a thin layer and apply a thin layer to the affected area. If this medicine gets into your eyes, start washing your eyes with a lot of water, and if you experience side effects such as burning and itching, stop using the ointment and see a doctor. Do not use this product on areas that are cut, scratched, sunburned or damaged by eczema (a skin condition).
Precautions
Before using adapalene ointment, check its various ingredients, if you are allergic to it, refuse to use it. Before taking the drug, consult your doctor if you already have hypersensitivity, specific skin sensitivity, medications related to vitamin A (other retinoids such as isotretinoin), etc. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. If you have medical history such as sunburn, eczema, special skin sensitivity, etc., talk to your doctor or pharmacist about its risks and side effects.
- It is forbidden to use inside the mouth, nose, ears and other internal parts of the body.
- This product is only for external use by the manufacturer.
- Minimizing exposure to light is essential, use sunscreen or protective clothing if needed.
- Adverse weather (such as strong wind and cold) may irritate the skin. The risk of side effects is higher in the first month of treatment.
- Do not put the product on scratches, cuts, eczema or sunburned skin.
- Avoid waxing the treated area and do not use topical products that may further irritate the skin (such as astringents, abrasive soaps and cleansers, exfoliants, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid).
- Anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, facial edema, eyelid edema, lip swelling, and pruritus, sometimes requiring medical treatment, have been reported during post-marketing use of adapalene. Advise patients to stop taking the drug and seek medical attention if allergic or anaphylactoid or anaphylactic reactions occur during treatment.
- You may feel a slight burning sensation immediately after using the medicine. Skin redness, dryness, itching, flaking, mild burning or worsening of acne are also normal during the first 2 to 4 weeks of using the drug.
- In rare cases, some people have an allergic reaction to adapalene. Therefore, in case of skin rashes, itching or swelling (especially in the face, tongue and throat), severe dizziness, breathing problems, etc., stop taking the medicine and inform the doctor. If necessary, the doctor will change the dosage or prescribe a new prescription for you.
Adapalene contraindications
All medicines have cautions and contraindications mentioned by the manufacturer on the medicine packaging. After using this ointment, we see sensitivity to light in some patients. Limit your time in the sun, extreme weather such as wind or cold, tanning rooms, and sunlamps. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned, blistered, or reddened skin. Wait until your skin is completely healed from sunburn before using adapalene. The most important contraindications for using this ointment are sensitivity to adapalene or its medicinal compounds.
While using this product, do not use electrolysis, waxing and chemical hair removal to remove excess hair in the treated areas. Because this medicine is absorbed through the skin and may harm the fetus, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, because adapalene can harm an unborn baby. However, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should use this product with a doctor’s prescription.
Adapalene side effects
After using adapalene ointment, some patients feel a slight burning sensation. Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2 to 4 weeks of using the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. In some patients, the doctor may ask you to reduce the number of times you use the ointment or change the dosage. Some of the serious side effects of this product are very red skin or severe irritation, severe burning sensation, redness and watery eyes (conjunctivitis), eyelid swelling, skin color change, etc.
- dryness
- Scaling
- burning or stinging
- Erythema
- Skin discomfort and itching
- getting layered
- Sun burn
- Acne flare-ups
- conjunctivitis
- Contact dermatitis and eczema
- Erythema and eyelid edema
- Hives and skin discoloration
Adapalene drug interactions
Drug interaction is one of the big problems when taking two or more drugs at the same time, which causes serious and fatal side effects in some patients. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Hair solution products, products containing alcohol, lime and menthol (such as astringent, toner, shaving lotion), medicated or abrasive soaps or cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect (such as alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid) and… cause drug interference with adapalene.
Adapalene use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Available data from clinical trials using DIFFERIN lotion in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of adapalene to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses of 122 and 243 times resulted in fetal skeletal and visceral abnormalities, respectively. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should refrain from indiscriminate and non-prescription use of all kinds of medicines, including syrups, tablets, ointments, ampoules, etc. Taking any pill or ointment will directly affect the fetus.
The effect of adapalene on infant breastfeeding
There is no information on the presence of adapalene topical lotion or its metabolites in human milk, its effects on the nursing infant and milk production. In animal studies, this product is present in the milk of mice after oral administration of the drug. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely to be present in human milk. It is also possible that topical administration of large amounts of adapalene results in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable amounts in human milk. To minimize possible exposure of the nursing infant to breast milk, use on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest possible time during breastfeeding.
Adapalene ointment storage conditions
Adapalene should be stored at room temperature away from heat, light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and animals. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Avoid pouring medicine into the toilet well, street and sewer.
The last word of Adapalene ointment
As we said in this article from Positive Sabz online pharmacy magazine, adapalene ointment plays an important role in improving people’s health and quality of life as a leading solution in the health and treatment field. Considering the effectiveness and benefits of this product, its responsible use can help improve skin function and improve the health of people. However, it should be noted that before using this product, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, we should pay close attention to any symptoms or side effects during the use of this ointment and consult a doctor in case of any unwanted changes in the condition of our skin or health.
Site source: Medscape