Epiduo

Description

Epiduo Gel (Adapalene 0.1% + Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%)

Indications:

• Acne Vulgaris

Dosage and Administration:

• Adults: Apply a thin film of gel to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily after washing, preferably at night. Use a pea-sized amount for each facial area (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek).
• Children (≥9 years): Apply a thin film to affected facial areas and/or trunk once daily at night after washing.
• Children (<9 years): Safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Renal Impairment: No specific dose adjustment information provided.

Method of Administration: For topical use only. Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or any component of the formulation.

Precautions:

• Minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, during treatment.
• Patients with high levels of sun exposure and those with inherent sun sensitivity should exercise particular caution.
• Use of sunscreen products and protective apparel (e.g., hats) is recommended when sun exposure cannot be avoided.
• Weather extremes, such as wind or cold, may be irritating to patients undergoing treatment.
• The safety and effectiveness of Epiduo Gel in pediatric patients under 9 years of age have not been established.

Pregnancy and Lactation:

• Pregnancy: Use with caution.
• Lactation: Use with caution. (Note: Specific information on excretion in milk is not provided, but caution is advised.)

Interactions:

• Adapalene: Increased irritation may occur with medicated or abrasive soaps, products with a pronounced drying effect, and those containing alcohol or astringents.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: PABA sunscreens may cause transient discoloration of fabrics.

Adverse Effects:

• Common (>10%): Stinging/burning (3-41%), dryness (1-41%), scaling (1-35%), erythema (1-27%).
• Less Common (1-10%): Contact dermatitis (3%), application site burning (2%), application site irritation (1%), skin irritation (1%).

Mechanism of Action:

• Adapalene: Binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors, normalizing the differentiation of follicular epithelial cells and resulting in decreased microcomedone formation.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Possesses a mild keratolytic effect and antimicrobial activity, primarily attributed to its oxidative properties. It is active against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes.

Notes: Epiduo 0.1% W/W + 2.5% W/W Gel is manufactured by Galderma Ltd. Its generic name is Adapalene 0.1% + Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%. Epiduo is available in Nepal.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended for diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for the exercise of professional judgment by a qualified healthcare provider.