Adapalene: Uses & Dosage

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Topical/Cutaneous
Acne vulgaris

Adult: For the treatment of mild to moderate cases where comedones, papules, and pustules are predominant: As 0.1% cream/gel or 0.3% gel: Apply thinly to the affected area(s) once daily at night. Reduction of frequency of application or discontinuation of treatment may be required according to patient's tolerability. Reassess treatment if there is no response after 12 weeks.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose.

What are the brands available for Adapalene in Malaysia?

Other Known Brands

Deriva MS

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy or women planning a pregnancy.

Special Precautions

Avoid use in patients with severe acne affecting large areas of the body. Children. Lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, angioedema, face or eyelid oedema, lip swelling, urticaria, pruritus), photosensitivity, skin irritation (e.g. erythema, dryness, scaling, stinging/burning sensation); may increase skin sensitivity to extreme weather conditions (e.g. wind, cold).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Exfoliation of skin, skin discomfort, sunburn.

Pregnancy Category (US FDA)

Topical: C

Patient Counseling Information

Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and UV light; use protective clothing and sunscreen over treated areas when going outdoors. Do not apply on broken, abraded, sunburned or eczematous skin, or severe acne involving large areas. Avoid wax depilation on treated skin, or contact with mucous membranes, eyes and mouth, or accumulation in angles of the nose.

Drug Interactions

May cause additive local irritation with other topical products (e.g. medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, cosmetics with strong drying effect, peeling agents; products with high concentration of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime).

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Adapalene is a retinoid-like compound that acts on the important features of acne vulgaris pathology by modulating cellular differentiation, keratinisation and inflammatory processes. It is also suggested to normalise the differentiation of follicular epithelial cells leading to decreased microcomedone formation.
Onset: 8-12 weeks.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption.
Excretion: Via bile. Terminal elimination half-life: 7-51 hours (gel).

Chemical Structure

Storage

Store between 20-25°C. Protect from light and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

MIMS Class

Acne Treatment Preparations

ATC Classification

D10AD03 - adapalene ; Belongs to the class of topical retinoid preparations used in the treatment of acne.

References

Adapalene Cream (Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 18/02/2026.

Adapalene Gel 0.3% (Encube Ethicals, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 18/02/2026.

Adapalene. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 18/02/2026.

Adapalene. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 09/02/2026.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Adapalene. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 09/02/2026.

Differin 0.1% w/w Cream (Galderma [U.K.] Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 18/02/2026.

Differin 0.1% w/w Gel (Galderma [UK] Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 09/02/2026.

Differin Cream 0.1% (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin Cream 0.1% (Galderma Malaysia Sdn Bhd). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 09/02/2026.

Differin Gel 0.1% (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin Gel 0.1% (Galderma Malaysia Sdn Bhd). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 18/02/2026.

Differin Gel 0.3% (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/04/2021.

Differin Lotion (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 14/04/2021.

Joint Formulary Committee. Adapalene. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 09/02/2026.

Panoxyl Gel (Crown Laboratories). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 18/02/2026.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Adapalene from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2026 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com