- Although this study does indeed indicate that there is a mean percentage
reduction with adapalene which is greater than that of tretinoin, and
does allude to the investigators overall impression of improvement by
the global assessment, it would be interesting to see how this correlates
to patient satisfaction.
- Adapalene (6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphothoic acid)
is a synthetic compound which binds to the nuclear and cytosolic retinoic
acid receptors in a different way than tretinoin. It is a potent modulator
of cellular differentiation, keratinization and inflammation.
- Neither tretinoin nor adapalene are photosensitizers. Exposure to
sun worsens the irritation, making them photoirritants. Tretinoin chemically
oxidizes in sunlight, where adapalene is chemically stable, but both
are still recommended to be applied at night.
- Both adapalene and tretinoin have at least additive, and possibly
synergistic effects when used with other anti-acne medications (such
as Benzoyl Peroxide and antibiotics).
- As always at the bottom line….COST: Differin 0.1 % gel: 15 G = $ 33.80
Tretinoin gel: 15 G = $ 33.00
Shalita A. A comparison of the efficacy and safety of adapalene
gel 0.1% and tretinoin gel 0.025% in the treatment of acne vulgaris:
A multicenter trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,
Weiss J. The evolving role of retinoids in the management of cutaneous
conditions. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,
Lucky A. Predictors of severity of acne vulgaris in young adolescent
girls: Results of a five-year longitudinal study. Journal of
Pediatrics, 1997; 130:30-39.
Ellis C. Comparison of adapalene 0.1% solution and tretinoin 0.025%
gel in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. British Journal
of Dermatology, 1998; 139(Suppl. 52):41-47.