Differin 0.1% Lotion 59ml
It is used to treat pimples (acne).
Drug Class
Anti-acne agent
Pharmacologic Class
Retinoid, topical
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Differin Lotion is a topical medication containing adapalene, a type of retinoid. It works by helping to clear up acne and prevent new breakouts by affecting skin cell growth and reducing inflammation.
How to Use This Medicine
Using Your Medication Correctly
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and the information provided with your prescription. This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to your skin. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
Applying the Medication
Do not apply this medication to cuts, scrapes, eczema, damaged skin, or sunburned skin. Before use, wash your hands and clean the affected area, making sure it is dry. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in. Replace the cap after use.
Timing of Application
Some products are designed to be used at bedtime, while others can be used at any time. Consult with your pharmacist to determine the best application schedule for your specific product.
Storage and Disposal
Store this medication at room temperature, away from heat sources, and do not freeze. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule. Do not apply two doses at once or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and the information provided with your prescription. This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to your skin. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
Applying the Medication
Do not apply this medication to cuts, scrapes, eczema, damaged skin, or sunburned skin. Before use, wash your hands and clean the affected area, making sure it is dry. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in. Replace the cap after use.
Timing of Application
Some products are designed to be used at bedtime, while others can be used at any time. Consult with your pharmacist to determine the best application schedule for your specific product.
Storage and Disposal
Store this medication at room temperature, away from heat sources, and do not freeze. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule. Do not apply two doses at once or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin once daily in the evening.
- Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face.
- Avoid contact with eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes.
- Limit sun exposure, including sunlamps, and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and protective clothing when outdoors, as adapalene can increase sun sensitivity.
- Use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer daily to help manage dryness and irritation.
- Do not apply to cuts, scrapes, eczematous, or sunburned skin.
- Initial worsening of acne (purging) is common and usually resolves within a few weeks; continue treatment unless irritation is severe.
- Be patient; it may take 8-12 weeks to see significant improvement.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin layer of Differin 0.1% Lotion to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily in the evening, after washing gently with a mild cleanser and drying.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
acne_vulgaris:
Apply a thin layer to affected areas once daily in the evening.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established
Child:
Not established for children under 12 years of age.
Adolescent:
For patients 12 years of age and older: Apply a thin layer to affected areas once daily in the evening.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No specific considerations due to minimal systemic absorption.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid that modulates cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes. It binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors (RARΞ² and RARΞ³) but does not bind to the cytosolic receptor protein. While the exact mechanism of action in acne is unknown, it is thought to normalize the differentiation of follicular epithelial cells, resulting in decreased microcomedone formation.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Very low systemic absorption (<0.25 ng/mL plasma concentrations after chronic topical application)
Tmax:
Not clinically relevant for topical application due to minimal systemic absorption
FoodEffect:
Not applicable for topical formulation
Distribution:
Vd:
Not clinically relevant due to minimal systemic absorption
ProteinBinding:
Not clinically relevant due to minimal systemic absorption (in vitro studies show high plasma protein binding, primarily to albumin)
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not clinically relevant due to minimal systemic absorption
Clearance:
Not clinically relevant due to minimal systemic absorption
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily biliary excretion in animals. Minimal systemic levels in humans.
Unchanged:
Not clinically relevant due to minimal systemic absorption
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Typically 8-12 weeks for noticeable improvement, with full therapeutic effect potentially taking several months.
PeakEffect:
Gradual, over several months of continuous use.
DurationOfAction:
Maintained with continued daily application.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience any of the following side effects or if they bother you or do not go away:
- Skin irritation is a common side effect of this medication. This may include burning, dry skin, itching, peeling, redness, and scaling. If you experience severe skin irritation, or if it bothers you and does not go away, contact your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience any of the following side effects or if they bother you or do not go away:
- Skin irritation is a common side effect of this medication. This may include burning, dry skin, itching, peeling, redness, and scaling. If you experience severe skin irritation, or if it bothers you and does not go away, contact your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe redness, dryness, scaling, burning, or itching that does not improve or worsens significantly.
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (signs of allergic reaction).
- Blistering or crusting of the skin.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken safely with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken safely with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Important Information About Your Medication
It is crucial that you inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Potential Skin Effects
When you start using this medication, your skin may appear to worsen before it improves. Additionally, you may be more susceptible to sunburn. To minimize this risk, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and wear protective clothing and eyewear when going outside.
Certain weather conditions, such as cold temperatures and wind, may irritate your skin. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on how to protect your skin in these conditions.
Precautions and Interactions
Do not wax the affected skin area, as this may cause further irritation. Be cautious when using other skin products in conjunction with this medication, as they may increase the risk of irritation. Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor.
If you experience dry or irritated skin, you may use moisturizers to help alleviate these symptoms. However, avoid using products that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids.
Safety Precautions
If this medication is accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately by calling a doctor or poison control center.
Pediatric Use
This medication is not recommended for children under the age of 12 without first consulting a doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication to you and your baby. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, be sure to wash the area thoroughly before nursing your child.
It is crucial that you inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Potential Skin Effects
When you start using this medication, your skin may appear to worsen before it improves. Additionally, you may be more susceptible to sunburn. To minimize this risk, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and wear protective clothing and eyewear when going outside.
Certain weather conditions, such as cold temperatures and wind, may irritate your skin. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on how to protect your skin in these conditions.
Precautions and Interactions
Do not wax the affected skin area, as this may cause further irritation. Be cautious when using other skin products in conjunction with this medication, as they may increase the risk of irritation. Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor.
If you experience dry or irritated skin, you may use moisturizers to help alleviate these symptoms. However, avoid using products that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids.
Safety Precautions
If this medication is accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately by calling a doctor or poison control center.
Pediatric Use
This medication is not recommended for children under the age of 12 without first consulting a doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication to you and your baby. If you are breastfeeding and apply this medication to your breast or nipple, be sure to wash the area thoroughly before nursing your child.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Excessive redness, peeling, or discomfort if applied in large amounts. Systemic overdose is unlikely due to minimal absorption.
What to Do:
Discontinue use and wash the area thoroughly. Symptomatic and supportive care. In case of accidental ingestion, call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (e.g., abrasive soaps and cleansers, strong drying agents, products with high alcohol content, astringents, medicated or abrasive soaps/cleansers, other retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol) should be avoided or used with caution due to potential for additive irritation.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition and acne severity
Rationale: To establish baseline for treatment efficacy and monitor for adverse reactions.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Local skin irritation (erythema, scaling, dryness, burning/stinging, pruritus)
Frequency: Daily, especially during the first few weeks of treatment
Target: Mild to moderate irritation is common and expected; severe irritation should prompt re-evaluation.
Action Threshold: If severe irritation occurs, reduce frequency of application or temporarily discontinue use until irritation subsides. Consult healthcare provider if persistent or worsening.
Symptom Monitoring
- Erythema (redness)
- Scaling
- Dryness
- Burning/stinging sensation
- Pruritus (itching)
- Acne flare-up (initial worsening of acne is common)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Adapalene should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. While systemic absorption is minimal, topical retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption is low. Advise women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception.
Second Trimester:
Risk considered low due to minimal systemic absorption, but caution is still advised.
Third Trimester:
Risk considered low due to minimal systemic absorption, but caution is still advised.
Lactation
Considered L2 (Safer) or L3 (Moderately Safe). Minimal systemic absorption makes it unlikely to cause adverse effects in a breastfed infant. However, caution is advised.
Infant Risk:
Low risk. Advise applying to areas not in contact with the infant, and avoid applying to the breast/nipple area to prevent direct infant exposure.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy have been established for pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age due to lack of data.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments or precautions are recommended for geriatric patients. Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Adapalene can cause initial skin irritation (redness, dryness, peeling, burning/stinging) often referred to as 'retinization' or 'purging'. This is usually temporary and improves with continued use.
- Emphasize the importance of consistent, once-daily application, even during initial irritation, unless irritation becomes severe.
- Advise patients to use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser and moisturizer to help manage dryness and irritation.
- Strict sun protection (sunscreen SPF 30+ and protective clothing) is crucial due to increased photosensitivity.
- A 'pea-sized' amount is sufficient for the entire face; using more will not speed up results and may increase irritation.
- Results are not immediate; patients should be counseled that it takes 8-12 weeks to see noticeable improvement and up to several months for full effect.
Alternative Therapies
- Other topical retinoids (e.g., Tretinoin, Tazarotene)
- Topical antibiotics (e.g., Clindamycin, Erythromycin)
- Topical benzoyl peroxide
- Topical azelaic acid
- Oral antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline, Minocycline)
- Oral isotretinoin (for severe, recalcitrant acne)
- Hormonal therapies (e.g., Spironolactone, oral contraceptives for females)
Cost & Coverage
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Varies by insurance plan; often Tier 2 or 3 for brand, Tier 1 for generic. May require prior authorization for brand.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.