Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)
Generic name: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical) [ a-DAP-a-leen-and-BEN-zoyl-per-OX-ide ]
Brand names: Epiduo, Epiduo Forte, Epiduo Pump
Dosage form: topical gel (0.1%-2.5%; 0.3%-2.5%)
Drug class: Topical acne agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 19, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat acne in people 12 years and older.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- other skin problems, including cuts, abrasions, sunburn, or eczema.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
If you breastfeed, avoid applying adapalene and benzoyl peroxide to your nipple area.
How should I use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied once a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.
Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Use a pea-sized amount of the gel for each treatment area (chin, forehead, and each cheek). Apply the medicine in a thin layer and rub in gently and allow it to dry completely before dressing.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medicine.
Do not apply any other skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Related/similar drugs
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
What should I avoid while using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Avoid getting adapalene and benzoyl peroxide in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Also avoid using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical side effects
Benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe redness or swelling of treated skin;
- severe burning or stinging; or
- severe dryness or other skin irritation.
Common side effects of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide may include:
- dry or scaly skin;
- skin redness; or
- burning or stinging.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Acne:
Usual dose: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Use: Topical treatment of acne vulgaris
Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:
Adapalene 0.1%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel
9 years and older:
-Usual dose: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel
12 years and older:
-Usual dose: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Use: Topical treatment of acne vulgaris
What other drugs will affect adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
More about adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical
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- Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide
Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel With Pump – Uses, Side Effects, and More
This medication is used on the skin to treat acne. This medication is a combination of adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antibiotic and skin-peeling agent). This product may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do appear.Adapalene works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel off.
How to use Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel With Pump
Wash your hands before applying this medication. Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of this medication usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of medication (about the size of a pea) to the affected areas of skin.
Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area, inside the nose/mouth, or on mucous membranes. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned or eczema-affected skin.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.
Your dosage and treatment plan is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
During the first few weeks of using adapalene, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use a larger amount or use it more frequently than recommended. Your skin will not improve any faster, and it will increase the risk of developing redness, peeling, and pain.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
Side Effects
Skin redness, dryness, peeling, mild burning, swelling, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 4 weeks of using this product. These effects usually decrease with continued use. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your doctor may want you to use a moisturizer, decrease how often you use the product, or have you stop using it.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to adapalene or benzoyl peroxide; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (such as eczema).
This drug may bleach hair or colored fabric (such as clothing, bedding, and towels). Use caution when applying near the hairline, while dressing, and while choosing towel and bed sheet colors (if leaving on the skin overnight).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using this product. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin.
Avoid electrolysis, waxing and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.
Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this medication. Adapalene may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk when used on the skin. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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