Fine dry particulate adenosine compositions suitable for use in topical formulations, as well as methods of making the same, are provided. In the dry particulate adenosine composition, the adenosine active agent is associated with the particles, e.g., via entrapment in the pores of the particles and/or ionic binding and/or non-covalent binding to the surface of the particles and/or loosely associated with the particles. Also provided are topical formulations which include the dry particulate adenosine compositions of the invention, and methods of using the same.