Comparison of clinical efficacy of tretinoin 0.025% gel and adapalene 0.1% gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Abstract

Adapalene is a new naphthoic acid derivative with retinoid-like activity. In this trial, we aimed to compare clinical efficacy and side effects of tretinoin 0.025% gel and adapalene 0.1% gel in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Forty patients with comedonal and mild inflammatory acne vulgaris were divided randomly in to two equal groups. Tretinoin 0.025% gel and adapalene 0.1% gel were applied to the first and second group. respectively. At the end of the 12th week patients were compared for the number of lesions and side effects. Whereas both agents reduced the numbers of open comedones. papules and pustules equally, we have found adapalene to be more efficacious in reducing the numbers of closed comedones and total lesions (54% vs. 70%). Side effects were lower and tolerability of the drug was better in adapalene group. As a result. adapalene 0.1% gel was more effective and well tolerated than tretinoin 0.025% gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris.