Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Topical retinoid + antimicrobial

Adapalene with benzoyl peroxide

Brand names: Epiduo

This fixed-combination topical gel pairs the retinoid adapalene with benzoyl peroxide for mild-to-moderate acne with both comedonal and inflammatory lesions.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Adapalene normalises follicular keratinisation while benzoyl peroxide is bactericidal against Cutibacterium acnes and keratolytic, giving complementary actions on acne pathways.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid in pregnancy because of the retinoid component, and advise effective contraception in women of childbearing potential.
  • Benzoyl peroxide bleaches hair and dyed fabrics, so warn patients about contact with clothing, towels and bedding.
  • Combined irritation can be greater than with either agent alone, so introduce gradually and apply to dry skin.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is needed; assess skin tolerability and acne response at review.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin after washing.
  • It may bleach coloured fabrics and hair, and increases sun sensitivity, so use sun protection.
  • Expect some dryness and peeling early on, which usually improves with continued use.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE recommends fixed topical combinations including adapalene with benzoyl peroxide as first-line options for acne vulgaris.

Reference: NICE NG198 acne 2021; BAD Acne Guideline; SmPC Epiduo; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways