Medication

Differin

Generic name:

Pharmacist-reviewed drug information from the RxWiki encyclopedia.

Overview

Differin is a prescription medication used to treat acne. Differin, a form of vitamin A, is thought to work by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of keratin surface skin cells. This helps to unblock pores and decreases the formation of blackheads and pimples.

This medication comes in the form of a cream, a gel, and a lotion to be applied to the affected skin. It is usually applied once daily, at nighttime, after gently washing with a mild cleanser.

Common side effects include skin irritation, redness, peeling, and dryness.

What is it used for?

Differin is a prescription medication used to treat acne.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side effects

Serious side effects have been reported. See "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects include:

  • redness
  • scaling or peeling
  • dryness
  • persistent itching
  • persistent burning or stinging

This is not a complete list of Differin side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health.