Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide

Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide

Combination of
Adapalene	Retinoid
Benzoyl peroxide	Peroxide
Clinical data
Trade names	Epiduo
Pregnancy category	US: C (Risk not ruled out)
Legal status	℞ (Prescription only)
Routes of administration	Epicutaneous
Identifiers
CAS Number	1194805-81-6 Y
ATC code	D10AD03, D10AE51
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Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is a prescription drug combination for the treatment of severe acne vulgaris; marketed by Galderma under the trade name Epiduo. Its trade name in Canada is TactuPump, where it was previously known as Tactuo. It consists of a combination of adapalene (0.1%) and benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) in a topical gel formulation. Meta-analysis of clinical trails has shown this combined therapy to be more effective than either of its ingredients by themselves.

Interactions

Patients are advised to exercise caution in using Epiduo together with other skin products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, or with medicated or abrasive dirts and cleansers. Skin products with high levels of alcohol or astringents should also be avoided. Using topical products with a strong drying effect in combination with Epiduo can increase irritation. The use of adapalene/benzoyl peroxide in combination with oral antibiotics (lymecycline) has been studied; the combination was well tolerated and showed an improved success rate compared to those receiving only antibiotics (47.6% vs. 33.7%, P = 0.002).

Side effects

Commonly reported side effects include the following:

• Skin redness
• Scaling
• Dry skin
• Contact dermatitis
• Skin irritation
• Stinging
• Burning

Precautions

Patients are advised to avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps, and use sunscreen when these cannot be avoided.

External links

• Epiduo official website
• Tactuo Official Website (Canada - Tactuo.ca)