Adapalene
Sold as Differin, Deriva, Dapta
6-[3-(1-Adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid
Drag to rotate. Structure from PubChem CID 60164.
Background
Registration
- Applicants
- 3
- Registrations
- 5
- Schedule source
- Consolidated Schedules 06 July 2026
Applicants and registrations
| Applicant | Brands | Dosages | Registrations | Schedule | Leaflets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galderma Laboratories S.A. (Pty) LtdCertificate held by Galderma Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd | Differin | 1 mg/g, 1mg | 290606, 320476 | S3 | PIPIL |
| Glenmark Pharmaceuticals South Africa (Pty) Ltd | Deriva | gel | 440766 | S3 | None |
| Acino Pharma (Pty) LtdCancelled | Dapta | cream, gel | 460162, 460163 | S3 | None |
Variants
| Product | Strength and form | Registration | Status | Schedule | Leaflets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Differin gel EACH 1 g GEL CONTAINS ADAPALENE 1 mg | 1 mg/gGel | 29060629/13.12/0606Approved 4 September 2020 | Registered | S3 | PIPIL |
| Differin cream EACH 1,0 g CREAM CONTAINS ADAPALENE 1,0 mg | 1mgCream | 32047632/13.12/0476Approved 4 September 2020 | Registered | S3 | PIPIL |
| Deriva gel EACH 1,0 g GEL CONTAINS ADAPALENE 0,995 mg | Gel | 44076644/13.11/0766 | Registered | S3 | None |
| Dapta cream EACH 1,0 g CREAM CONTAINS ADAPALENE 1,0 mg | Cream | 46016246/13.11/0162 | Cancelled | S3 | None |
| Dapta gel EACH 1,0 g GEL CONTAINS ADAPALENE 1,0 mg | Gel | 46016346/13.11/0163 | Cancelled | S3 | None |
Regulatory status
Where S3 sits on the scale
Needs a doctor's prescription, dispensed by a pharmacist.
Schedule 3 medicines can only be sold on a prescription from an authorised prescriber, such as a doctor or dentist. A pharmacist dispenses the medicine once they have the written prescription, or a verbal instruction from a prescriber they know. Its price, name, pack size and strength can still be told to the public, as long as nothing links it to what it treats.
Schedule S3, matched to the Consolidated Schedules by ingredient, confidence high.
Who may supply: A pharmacist dispensing against a written or verbal prescription from an authorised prescriber; a veterinarian, who may also prescribe, compound or dispense it directly; a medical practitioner or dentist, who may prescribe it and may compound or dispense it directly only if licensed under section 22C(1)(a); manufacturers and wholesalers may supply people who may lawfully possess it; and, for animal treatment, a person practising a para-veterinary profession, on a veterinarian's written or verbal instruction.
Consolidated Schedules listings for Adapalene
S3: Adapalene
Consolidated Schedules 06 July 2026, line 3120
Pharmacological class: Others. (class 13.12)
This is an informational summary of the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965 and its 2017 General Regulations. It is not medical advice and not legal advice. Always check the medicine's label, which carries the schedule number inside a square border, or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
SAHPRA documents
These documents are provided by SAHPRA for informational purposes. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice.