Comparison of efficacy and tolerability of topical 0.1% adapalene gel with 0.05% isotretinoin gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Objective: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of topical adapalene gel 0.1% with isotretinoin gel 0.05% in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Patients and methods: 200 patients with mild to moderate acne were divided into two groups. Group A was given topical adapalene 0.1% gel and group B was given topical isotretinoin 0.05% gel. Patients were followed up at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks for efficacy and tolerability Results: 80% of patients in group B (isotretinoin group) showed excellent results versus 56% of patients in group A (adapalene group) [p 0.01]. Adapalene was, however, better tolerated with 48% of patients having side effects as compared to 57% of patients in group B isotretinoin (p=0.04). Conclusion: Isotretinoin 0.05% gel is more effective than adapalene 0.1% gel whereas adapalene is better tolerated as compared to isotretinoin in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.