adapalene

Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid used primarily for the treatment of mild to severe acne vulgaris in adolescents and adults. It is a synthetic naphthoic acid derivative with retinoid activity that acts as an agonist at nuclear retinoic acid receptor beta and retinoic acid receptor gamma, which then form complexes with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) to modulate gene transcription. This leads to normalization of keratinocyte differentiation and decreased microcomedone formation. Adapalene also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting lipoxygenase activity and the oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, as well as downregulating toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) expression and inhibiting activator protein 1 (AP-1). Its chemical stability allows it to be used alongside benzoyl peroxide without significant degradation. Adapalene is approved for use in patients aged 12 years or older[1][2][3][5][7][8].

Brand names

DifferinEpiduoCabtreoPanoxylTactupumpPlixda

Other names

adapalene