Is Adapalene safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Adapalene. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Topical adapalene has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because it is poorly absorbed after topical application, and blood levels are less than 0.25 mcg/L with long-term use, it is probably a low risk to the nursing infant.[1] Absorption should be minimized by applying it to the smallest possible surface area of the body for the shortest time possible. Do not apply to the nipple area and ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Adapalene is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Adapalene” (LM542). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.