Spotlight on adapalene.

Article Details

Citation

Copy to clipboard

Pierard GE, Pierard-Franchimont C, Paquet P, Quatresooz P

Spotlight on adapalene.

Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2009 Dec;5(12):1565-75. doi: 10.1517/17425250903386269.

PubMed ID

19929446 [ View in PubMed

]

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the field of dermatology, topical retinoids represent a mainstay in acne treatment. Adapalene is a naphthoic acid derivative showing some pharmacological activities similar to the regular retinoids. The drug is used singly or in combination for treating acne and a few other miscellaneous skin disorders. OBJECTIVE: To critically review the pharmacokinetic, pharmacologic aspects and clinical benefits and adverse effects associated with topical adapalene. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted primarily based on PubMed citations. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Adapalene shares some biological activities in common with retinoic acid. However, it exhibits distinct physicochemical and binding properties for selective retinoic acid receptors. In acne, adapalene is expected to reduce comedogenesis, expel mature comedones and exert some anti-inflammatory effects. The drug is effective as monotherapy in mild comedonal acne and in combination with benzoyl peroxide for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne. The safety profile of adapalene is good. Indeed, only discrete to moderate adverse events including erytheme, xerosis, itching and stinging may develop during the early treatment phase. Clinical experience has established that adapalene represents a valuable addition to the other current treatments for acne.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs

Adapalene

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Adapalene	Retinoic acid receptor alpha	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Not Available	Details
Adapalene	Retinoic acid receptor beta	Protein	Humans	Yes	Agonist	Details
Adapalene	Retinoic acid receptor gamma	Protein	Humans	Yes	Agonist	Details
Adapalene	Retinoic acid receptor RXR-alpha	Protein	Humans	Yes	Agonist	Details
Adapalene	Retinoic acid receptor RXR-beta	Protein	Humans	Yes	Agonist	Details
Adapalene	Retinoic acid receptor RXR-gamma	Protein	Humans	Yes	Agonist	Details