Adapalene: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Adapalene is a retinoid acne treatment. It is a prescription medicine used for acne, blackheads and whiteheads. In Pakistan it is available as gel and cream, made by 8 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Adapalene works

Adapalene is a retinoid, related to vitamin A. It normalises the way skin cells grow and shed inside the hair follicles, which stops pores becoming blocked and forming blackheads and whiteheads. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps calm red, swollen spots.

What is Adapalene used for?

• Acne
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads

Adapalene gel or cream is used on the skin to treat mild to moderate acne, especially blackheads, whiteheads and small red spots. It is often combined with benzoyl peroxide or used alongside antibiotic treatment. Because it also helps prevent new spots from forming, it is usually continued for a few months, and acne may look slightly worse before it starts to improve.

Side effects of Adapalene

Skin irritation is common with Adapalene, particularly in the first few weeks. You may notice:

• Dryness and peeling
• Redness
• Stinging or burning
• Itching
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Stop using it and see a doctor if you develop severe irritation, blistering, or swelling of the face, eyes or lips.

Precautions and warnings

• Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eyes, lips, inside of the nose and any cut, sunburnt or eczema-affected skin.
• Use a non-greasy moisturiser and a sunscreen daily, and avoid sunbeds.
• Avoid using other harsh or drying products, such as scrubs or alcohol-based toners, on the same area.
• Do not use it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
• It can take several weeks to see an improvement, so keep using it as advised before deciding whether it works.

Frequently asked questions about Adapalene

What is the price of Adapalene in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Adapalene products currently in stock range from Rs 224 to Rs 1,152 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Aroleen 0.1% Cream at Rs 224. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Adapalene are available in Pakistan?

Adapalene is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Acne-lene (Valor Pharmaceuticals), Adapco (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Clear (Saffron Pharmaceutical Company), Mingle (Valor Pharmaceuticals), Pimpal (Brookes Pharmaceutical Labs (Pak) Ltd), Gallet (Pharma Health), Epilene (Crystolite Pharmaceuticals) and Aroleen (Hygeia), along with 2 more brands listed below.

Do I need a prescription for Adapalene?

Yes. Adapalene is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Adapalene be used during pregnancy?

Do not use it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Are all Adapalene brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Adapalene in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Adapalene brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 16 products containing Adapalene from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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