Page 108 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:29

Use of other acne medications with adapalene may cause excessive dryness and peeling.
Such combination therapy should be directed by a knowledgeable health care provider
If acne lesions or symptoms worsen or improvement does not occur in 3 months with
proper use of the agent, consult your primary care provider
If you experience allergic reactions, become pregnant, or are planning to become
pregnant, discontinue use of adapalene and consult your primary care provider for
other treatment options

Keratolytics (OTC)

These agents work on outmost layer of skin by loosening the "glue" or bonds that
holds dead skin cells, promoting their shedding from the skin's surface to unplug
clogged pores.

Hydroxy Acids in Various Strengths (AHAs, BHAs)

Examples: AHAs (Alfa hydroxy acids) & BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) as salicylic 0.5%
-2%.

AHAs are natural exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic, and citric acids, are available in
several nonprescription formulations in concentrations of 4%–10% or as
prescription-only products in higher concentrations.

Some hydroxy acids have comedolytic properties and are moderately effective in the
treatment of acne (BHAs)
BHAs as salicylic acid are comedolytic as their oil solubility allows them to
penetrate deep into pores and dissolve the sebum and dead skin cells that cause clogs
While AHAs, being water-soluble, work only on the skin's surface, where they
cannot reach these internal pore obstructions (Keratolytic, but non- comedolytic agents)

Patient Counseling & Precautions for Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) Use:

Do not use benzoyl peroxide if you have very sensitive skin or have a recognized sensitivity
to this agent
Because benzoyl peroxide increases susceptibility to sunburn, avoid unnecessary sun
exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher when using
this product
To prevent possible excessive irritation, avoid contact of benzoyl peroxide with eyes,
lips, mouth, and nose, as well as cuts, scrapes, and other abrasions
Skin irritation, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling, or possibly
swelling, may occur with the recommended treatment regimen. Irritation may be reduced by

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